Deputy Librarian

Job Location:Trinidad, Port of Spain

Position Objective: 

To provide a variety of complex technical support within one or more functional areas of the library.  He/she also assists the Chief Librarian with the CCJ's records management programme.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Supervisory 

• Assist the Chief Librarian in planning, coordinating, developing, implementing and monitoring the library’s policies and procedures.
• Oversee the work of Staff and provide guidance and coaching as necessary to achieve desired results;
• Identify and recommend training and development needs of staff as required.
• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the Libraries in the absence of the Chief Librarian.
• Supervise the circulation desk and maintenance of the Library collection.
• Conduct regular group and individual meetings with staff to promote open communication, including timely sharing of relevant information, for the efficient operation of the Unit.
• Provide relief for the Chief Librarian as required.

Library Services

Reference, Research and User Services

• Perform legal and non-legal research and reference services for library users using both print and electronic resources.
• Monitor legislative changes to ensure provision of current information.
• Arrange interlibrary loan transactions for Judges and court personnel. 
• Train users in the use of electronic and online resources and applications.
• Assist the Chief Librarian with the development of and content for the Library’s web page.  
• Supervise the maintenance of the Library’s web page in conjunction with the Digital Media Specialist.

Technical Services

• Perform and/or supervise work in all aspects of bibliographic control and access, i.e. cataloguing, classification, subject analysis, authority control, database maintenance and the creation of bibliographical records according to established library standards.
• Develop and/or review policy and procedures for processing and cataloguing library materials.
• Monitor functionality of all library databases and accuracy of bibliographic data entered in the integrated library management system and in-house databases.
• Provide current awareness services on relevant materials and publications.
• Prepare instructional materials to facilitate use of electronic resources.
• Review potential materials for acquisition and make recommendations to Chief Librarian.

Records Management

• Assist Chief Librarian with the development, implementation and maintenance of Records Management policies, standards and procedures.
• Assist the Chief Librarian with the development of filing systems, and maintain these to meet administrative, legal and financial requirements.
• Assist the Chief Librarian with the development and the implementation of retention and disposal schedules.
• Provide guidance to staff in the management of their records and use of the records system
• Assist with the development of the Court’s archives.
• Manage the changeover from paper to electronic records management systems.
• Assist in the training of internal users on Records Management systems and processes.
• Collaborate with the IT Unit to resolve any problems with records management by effective use of software and other information management technology resources.

Other 

• Compile and prepare statistics and reports.
• Participate in the orientation of new staff members in collaboration with Human Resources. 
• Keep abreast of library practices, trends and issues by attending and participating in professional library meetings, conferences, webinars and workshops.
• Maintain awareness of the political and legal climate in the region.
• Maintain harmonious relationship with librarians regionally and internationally.
• Assist with the planning and co-ordination of conferences, projects and events as directed
• Serve on committees as required. 
• Perform any other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of legal information systems and legal research systems such as Westlaw, v|lex and LexisLibrary.
• Sound knowledge of professional principles, practices and procedures in the field of law librarianship.
• Knowledge of modern Records Management practices, issues and principles.
• Knowledge of library integrated systems. 
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communications (oral and written) and presentation skills with an excellent command of the English language.
• Excellent customer services skills.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite of programmes, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and the ability to learn new software applications.
• Ability to use technology in library operations including search tools for internet, specialized databases and an integrated library system.
• Ability to analyse statistical data.
• Ability to build trust and credibility and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other colleagues, judicial and administrative officers, legal practitioners, representatives of government and private agencies and members of the general public throughout the CARICOM region.
• Ability to work in a team, and demonstrate the highest level of professional integrity, respect and diplomacy for colleagues and others.
• Ability to efficiently manage time, multi-task and function effectively in a fast paced and demanding environment.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Internal Relations: Liaises with:

• Judges 
• Information Technology 
• All other Staff members 

External Relations:

Liaises with:

• Librarians, Booksellers, Publishers and Library suppliers 
• Regional and International professional organisations
• Government Agencies
• CARICOM

Minimum Education and Experience:

• A Master’s Degree in Library Science and three (3) years of law library experience at a senior level.

Or 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related information field and five (5) years of law library experience at a senior level. 
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Law will be an asset.   

SALARY BAND: 6  

BASE SALARY: US$2,825.13 (Free of Tax)