Library Team Leader

Library Team Leader

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
University of the West of Scotland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop library activities for learning, teaching, and user support.
  • Company: Join the dynamic University of the West of Scotland, a top-ranked modern university.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of library services and make a real impact on student success.
  • Qualifications: Postgraduate library qualification and significant team leadership experience required.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The University Library is seeking to appoint an experienced librarian to lead and develop activities related to learning, teaching, engagement, and user support. The post holder will work closely with other senior library staff to coordinate operational liaison with academic schools and professional service departments. The university will have a new academic structure in place from August 2026, providing the opportunity for the successful candidate to be involved from the start in developing approaches to liaison and support with new departments.

In addition to strategic coordination, the post holder will oversee and enhance the delivery of services in learning, teaching, engagement, and user support. This will include responsibility for the overarching information literacy and digital literacy skills development strategy, and direct involvement in teaching delivery. The post holder will work closely with specialist library activity leads for areas including (but not limited to) resource access, cultural and research, and collections. In addition, the post holder will serve as part of the senior library leadership team to ensure services are efficient, effective, and well-integrated, delivering maximum positive impact across the University.

As Team Leader, the post holder will lead the operational delivery of services within their remit, playing a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining high-quality frameworks and standards that support student success, academic engagement, and inclusive learning experiences. Working in partnership with colleagues across the University, they will ensure that services remain responsive, innovative, and aligned with institutional priorities.

The successful candidate should have the following:

  • A first degree plus a postgraduate library/information science qualification; or a first degree in library/information science; or CPD with a commitment to work towards CILIP (or international equivalent) professional certification.
  • Significant experience of leading or managing a team.
  • Experience working in an academic or advanced training environment and collaborating with academic schools or external education partners.
  • Extensive experience supporting information literacy development.
  • Experience designing and delivering instructional programmes in online, face-to-face and classroom settings.
  • Strong negotiating and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across all organisational levels and with external bodies.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interpret stakeholder needs, maintain effective relationships and handle sensitive issues appropriately.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting.
  • Ability to manage conflicting priorities in complex situations.
  • Ability to communicate complex information clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Confident teaching and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to apply institutional learning and teaching concepts to inform service development.

ABOUT US

The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland's largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings). Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

  • 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays.
  • An additional days leave on your birthday.
  • Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme).
  • A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance.
  • Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers.
  • Fitness facilities across our campuses.
  • Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Sunday 12th April
Interview Date: Wednesday 29th April

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided). The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

Library Team Leader employer: University of the West of Scotland

The University of the West of Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and access to health and wellness resources, staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. As a Library Team Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping innovative services that enhance student success, all while being part of a vibrant academic community across multiple campuses.
University of the West of Scotland

Contact Detail:

University of the West of Scotland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Library Team Leader

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of the West of Scotland. They can give you insider info on the library team culture and what it takes to shine in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and user support. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the job description, especially around information literacy and teaching delivery.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and enhance service delivery. This could be through presentations or even a portfolio if relevant.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.

We think you need these skills to ace Library Team Leader

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Information Literacy Development
Instructional Programme Design
Negotiation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Teaching Skills
Facilitation Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to Manage Conflicting Priorities
Adaptability to Institutional Learning Concepts

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Library Team Leader, so highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the role.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you meet the qualifications and skills we’re after. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for the role shines through without overwhelming us with too much information.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary details about the role and our university there!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of Scotland

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the qualifications and skills listed in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of information literacy and digital literacy strategies, as well as your experience in leading teams. Being able to discuss specific examples will show that you’re the right fit for the Library Team Leader role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to talk about your previous leadership experiences. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed a team or led a project. Highlight how you’ve collaborated with academic schools or external partners, as this is crucial for the role. Don’t forget to mention any innovative approaches you’ve implemented!

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the university’s new academic structure and how the library plans to support it. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.

✨Communicate Clearly

Practice explaining complex information in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication style and boost your confidence.

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