At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of School Library services for young people.
- Company: Glasgow Life inspires active lives through culture and sport, enhancing Glasgow's community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, pension scheme, discounted memberships, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in local communities and shaping future generations.
- Qualifications: Need a relevant degree or Chartered Membership, plus experience in library services and project management.
- Other info: Flexible work locations and hybrid options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
The myjobscotland support desk will be closed over the festive period from 5pm 23/12/24 until 9am 03/01/25. We will get back to you as quickly as possible when the support desk reopens. Ref no: GLA12962 Published: 13/12/2024 Closes: 05/01/2025 Location: Mitchell Library 201 North Street Glasgow Salary: £42,053.49 – £48,761.69 per year Contract Type: Permanent Position Type: Full Time Hours: 35 hours per week Job Description Glasgow Life is looking for a Principal Librarian to join us on a 35-hour full time, permanent contract. As Principal Librarian you will be joining our in-demand library services, focusing on service delivery for young people. You will be part of a dedicated team which supports School Library services across the city. More about our Libraries and Communities teams As a Principal Librarian you’ll be joining our Glasgow Life Libraries and Communities service. The service includes Glasgow’s 32 community libraries, the Mitchell Library, school libraries, community facilities, and services for early years, children and families, adult learning, inclusion and employability, and wellbeing, youth and community development. Libraries provide a cultural and creative place for all ages. They offer a place to read for pleasure and purpose, and collections which support literacy development. Glasgow\’s Libraries also have e-lending, author talks, book groups and festivals. People can access special collections as well as archives and family/local history. Libraries are also an important place where the digitally excluded can get online and access a range of resources. Community venues allow people to take part in a variety of cultural and sporting activities and offer a range of learning and support services across the city. Our libraries and community facilities play a vital role in local communities and provide a wide range of programmes and activities. About Glasgow Life Glasgow Life is the charity which inspires people to lead richer, more active lives through culture and sport. Simply put, we believe that everyone deserves a great Glasgow life. We do this by delivering innovative cultural and sporting programmes and events which improve the mental, physical, and economic well-being of Glasgow. Glasgow Life also creates unforgettable experiences for tourists, strengthening the city’s visitor economy. We stage world-class events, conferences and festivals which enhance Glasgow’s international reputation. The role As a Principal Librarian you’ll be an integral part of the team by leading the development and delivery of School Library services. Taking responsibility for the overall performance and engagement, in collaboration with education stakeholders, you will lead the continuous development, improvement and operation of the city’s school library network. Reporting to Libraries and Communities Manager and working alongside an established team with responsibility for the delivery of the city’s library services. The candidate If you’re interested in joining us as a Principal Librarian, you’ll need: an undergraduate / postgraduate qualification in accredited course relating information and library services, and/or hold Chartered Membership status of Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals experience of developing and managing library services, collections and programmes that are responsive and meet the needs of customers and target audiences a track record of managing projects, and financial resources, including fund-seeking activity, with a focus on effective evaluation of impact an understanding and track record of managing the needs of identified partners and stakeholders to meet mutual objectives experience of managing people effectively to meet agreed service performance goals through clear approaches to planning and delivery Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme will be essential on taking up appointment. Please note successful candidates for the above position will be required to pay for their PVG Membership/or Scheme Checks. Our city-wide contracts mean you will be flexible to work in any of our locations. Some of our roles are currently piloting hybrid working, with teams working between the office and home. Your line manager will agree these days with you. This balance enables you to continue much-needed collaborative working. This role is working Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. We believe in the transformational power of the programmes and events we provide for the people and visitors of Glasgow. If you would like to be a part of what we do, we’d love to hear from you. Important Dates: Closing date 5th January 2025 and interviews are provisionally scheduled for week beginning 13th January 2025. Benefits at Glasgow Life 30 days holiday allowance plus 6.5 public holidays (for full-time roles). After 5 years completed service, the entitlement will increase to 35 days from the next annual leave year Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme Discounted Glasgow Club membership and money off in our museum shops and online store Option to buy extra annual leave And much more! Diversity matters at Glasgow Life We\’re determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We\’re a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Read more about our commitment to equality and diversity on our website. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/the-small-print/an-inclusive-employer Application Packs Alternative Application Packs can be requested in other formats for example, Large Print, Braille, Audio and other languages. To request an alternative Application Pack please phone 0141 287 1054. Packs will be posted out to you within 3 working days of receiving your telephone request. Please note the closing date of the job advert to ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete your application form and return it to us. Further Information Please note that Glasgow Life, as an ALEO to Glasgow City Council, is currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure which may impact on current salaries quoted in job adverts. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Detail:
Glasgow Life Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Librarian (Schools)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Glasgow Life's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to community engagement and cultural enrichment will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your vision for school library services fits within their broader goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Glasgow Life, especially those in library services. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your experience and ideas in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your past experiences in managing library services and projects. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and improved service delivery, as these are key aspects of the Principal Librarian role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in library services, particularly those focused on youth engagement and digital inclusion. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and your readiness to lead the city's school library network.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Librarian (Schools)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Librarian position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in developing and managing library services, particularly those that cater to young people. Provide specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to that demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
Showcase Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your qualifications, especially if you have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in information and library services. If you hold Chartered Membership status, mention it prominently as it is a key requirement for the role.
Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention why you want to work for Glasgow Life and how you can contribute to their mission of inspiring people through culture and sport.
How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Life
✨Know Your Library Services
Familiarise yourself with the specific library services offered by Glasgow Life, especially those focused on young people. Be prepared to discuss how you can enhance these services and engage with the community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Librarian, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage teams effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led projects or initiatives in library services.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
Highlight your experience in collaborating with educational stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building relationships with schools and other partners to improve library services.
✨Prepare for Financial Management Questions
Since the role involves managing financial resources, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, fund-seeking activities, and evaluating the impact of library programmes. Specific examples will strengthen your case.