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- Tasks: Lead and innovate library services across 17 sites in Swansea.
- Company: Join Swansea Library Service as we transform our Central Library into a vibrant city hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent position with a salary range of £40,777 - £45,091.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of libraries and enhancing community engagement.
- Qualifications: Qualified librarian with management experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We\’re embarking on an exciting journey to reimagine our library service, including moving our Central Library to be part of a new city centre hub, and we\’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Principal Librarian to join our leadership team and help make this vision a reality. As part of a small, dedicated team, you\’ll play a key role in overseeing library services across 17 sites in Swansea. This is a wide-ranging role that includes deputising for the Library Service Manager and leading on strategic service development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Line Management of specialist teams:
- Information Services
- Special Collections & Local Studies
- Digital, Technology & Information Management
- Performance & Data Management including Welsh Public Library Standards (WPLS) reporting
- Line management of Operational Managers
- Enhancing customer service delivery
- Troubleshooting building-related issues
- Acting as a key escalation point between frontline services and corporate support
- Liaising with external partners, suppliers, and internal colleagues across the council
Salary and Requirements:
£40,777 – £45,091 per year. This is a Grade 9 full-time (37 hrs) permanent position for a qualified librarian with Swansea Library Service. Suitable candidates should demonstrate management and supervision experience at a middle management level or above. Applicants will be required to work across various sites within the Swansea Library service estate. Strong communication skills, the ability to inspire, support, and engage teams at all levels, organizational acumen, a collaborative mindset, a positive approach to change, and proven problem-solving skills are essential.
If you are passionate about libraries and want to make a lasting impact in Swansea, we\’d love to hear from you.
Within Swansea Council, the \”Safeguarding is Everybody\’s Business\” principle applies to all employees, elected members, volunteers, and contractors. Further details can be found at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/corporatesafeguarding.
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Principal Librarian employer: Swansea Council
Contact Detail:
Swansea Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in library services, especially those related to digital transformation and community engagement. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your forward-thinking approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the library sector, particularly those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved service delivery in previous roles. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to inspire others, as these are key attributes for the Principal Librarian role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Swansea's library services and their recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about local projects and challenges will show your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Librarian position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially around leadership, management, and stakeholder engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in library services, management, and strategic development. Emphasise your ability to lead teams and enhance customer service delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for libraries and your vision for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you can contribute to Swansea's library service.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight essential skills such as strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset. Use concrete examples to demonstrate these skills in action.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea Council
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Librarian, you'll be expected to lead and inspire teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you've managed teams, and any strategies you've implemented to enhance team performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for Libraries
This role involves reimagining library services. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table and be ready to share your vision for the future of libraries, especially in a community-focused environment like Swansea.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
With operational oversight being a key responsibility, it's crucial to showcase your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you successfully navigated them.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is vital in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with external partners and internal colleagues, and how you plan to foster collaboration within the library service and beyond.