LIBRARY ASSISTANT ( GRADE III) (OPEN COMPETITION) - COMHAIRLE CATHRACH CHORCAÍ CORK CITY COUNCIL
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COMHAIRLE CATHRACH CHORCAÍ
CORK CITY COUNCIL
LIBRARY ASSISTANT (GRADE III)
(OPEN COMPETITION)
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORMS
3PM, FRIDAY 21ST MAY 2021
BRIEFING DOCUMENT
Please Read Carefully
CLERICAL OFFICER 2020
BRIEFING DOCUMENT
LIBRARY ASSISTANT
CORK CITY COUNCIL
Cork City Council is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons for the post of
Library Assistant. The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel from which full‐
time and part‐time permanent and fixed term contract posts may be filled.
BACKGROUND
Cork City Council is a large urban local authority with over 1300 employees across 40 locations
within the City; there are 31 Elected Members of the Council representing six wards in the City.
Cork City Libraries is a service of Cork City Council and provides a range of library and information
services to the people of Cork, and, through our websites, to anyone interested in the history and
culture of Cork. The Cork City Libraries network comprises of the City Library, 9 local libraries, a
service to housebound persons, and an online presence. We provide books, CDs, DVDs, videos,
and audiobooks, for use within the library or for home use. We also make available a full range of
learning, reference and information services and resources. We provide computers with fast
Internet access throughout our network of libraries, and eBooks and audiobooks downloadable to
users’ own devices. Membership and use of our libraries are free of charge.
Interesting Facts:
Number of library buildings: 10
Library Link van: 1
Book fund 2021: €363,000
Total library stock on 9 February 2021: 653,081 items
Percentage of City Council budget spent on Libraries book budget 2020: 0.15%
City Council per capita budget for book purchase 2021: €1.72
Number of visits to Cork City Libraries 2020: 306,929
Number of items borrowed from Cork City Libraries 2020: 351,856
Number of members at 31 December 2020: 36,885
Number of PC sessions booked 2020: 18,322
Total number of events in all libraries 2020: 877
Number of public‐access computer workstations with Internet: 120
staff: 97
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021
To view the location of our extensive range of Cork City Libraries click on the link below.
https://www.corkcitylibraries.ie/en/locations/map/map-of-cork-city-libraries-network1.pdf
THE ROLE OF A LIBRARY ASSISTANT
A Library Assistant is a ‘frontline’ position in the Library Service; Library Assistants work directly
with the public and carry out a variety of duties.
Core Responsibility
Library Assistants are the ‘public face’ of the Library Service. The attributes of a good Library
Assistant include:
initiative and enthusiasm, including a willingness to contribute ideas and energy to all
aspects of the Library Service’s work.
an interest in the public and their needs, and the ability to work comfortably in a busy
environment serving a variety of groups and individuals.
an interest in information and creative expression; and
an interest in the city and its communities, its history and culture.
Key Tasks
The Library Assistant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:
Books/Media/Reading
Helping the public to choose books & other items to read/view/listen to and borrow.
Helping the public to find items not immediately available and advising them items might
be sourced from other locations.
Keeping stock in order and in a good state of repair/condition, and servicing stock new to a
particular service point.
Operating the Library IT system in general, assisting patrons where required with the self‐
issue and self‐return of items, and the issuing and return of books and other media, in
general.
Assisting with the preparation and running of the activities and programmes organized by
Cork City Libraries.
Learning & Information
Answering enquiries at the issue/information desk, via electronic means, or over the
phone.
Helping schoolchildren, students, and researchers with projects/research.
Other Duties
Providing assistance of a general nature to the public with internet PCs and information
technologies geared to helping the public access library services both in person and
virtually.
Helping members of the public who have visual or hearing impairments to use assistive
technology and/or software.
Undergoing training in each area of the library service and providing relief cover as
required.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021
Carrying out general administrative tasks and other duties as assigned by the Senior
Executive Librarian or other senior staff, from time to time.
Health & Safety
Be aware of the organisational Health and Safety Policies
Take responsibility for personal Health and Safety and compliance with organisational
policies and guidelines
To Note Library Assistant’s assigned to Bibliographic Services will carry out tasks relating to
acquisitions, cataloguing & technical processes. These tasks will be set out in detail on assignment
to Bibliographic Services.
This is a job profile of Library Assistant with Cork City Council. It is not a detailed job description,
and candidates should be aware that the job profile is likely to evolve as the service changes and
develops to meet the changing needs of the public. Library Assistants will carry out such other
related duties as will be assigned by the City Librarian from time to time.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021THE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW IS FOR YOUR OWN USE ONLY
A CAREER AS A FULL-TIME LIBRARY ASSISTANT - IS IT REALLY FOR YOU?
Cork City Council often receives enquiries from people from all backgrounds who want to be
Library Assistants. Our objective is to be fair to all applicants in our recruitment and selection
procedures.
The following list of questions have been put together to help you decide whether being a Library
assistant is really for you.
Our Public Library Service is an ever evolving and developing service. If you think public
library is a place where silence is maintained, and you can sit and read books all day long
you need to do this questionnaire.
Simply tick yes or no to each of the following questions.
YES NO
Do you have an interest in the public and their needs and the ability to
work comfortably in a busy environment serving a variety of groups
and individuals?
Do you work well as part of a TEAM ?
Are you committed to maintaining and developing your skills?
Do you have good IT skills?
Do you like working with children?
Do you have the stamina to carry out general administrative tasks such
as shelving books and setting up for events and activities?
Are you available to work flexible hours including Saturdays?
PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
SALARY: €24,602 ‐ €40,589 ‐ with annual performance‐based increases
In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who
is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will
enter the scale at the minimum point.
PENSION: The Local Government Superannuation Scheme applies
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021HOURS OF WORK: 37 hours per week. Flexibility is required and staff may need to work on
Monday and Saturday with a mid‐week fixed day off, subject to
organisational requirements.
Opening hours of libraries are tailored to the public’s needs and Library
Assistants will be expected to work hours in keeping with the staff rota at
the relevant service point. Staff in Central Library and in Bishopstown
Library are required to work the established fortnightly staffing rota; staff in
local libraries are required to work Tuesday‐Saturday, and on some
evenings. Future rota changes may require library staff to work a similar or
different as the service develops. The rota in operation in each service point
allows for a sharing of duties between staff; thus, staff will normally have to
work any unsocial hours in turn.
Probation: The position will be subject to a probationary period of 12 months.
THE PERSON
CHARACTER: Each candidate must be of good character.
HEALTH: Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a
reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE, ETC.:
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
(i) Must have a good general level of education.
Desirable Skills
Demonstrate a high level of competence in the following areas: Delivering Results, Personal
Performance and Personal Effectiveness.
An ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
Possess excellent IT skills.
Demonstrate and aptitude for working in a team environment.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION
There will be seven phases to the competition:
Phase 1: Expression of Interest
Phase 2: Psychometric Testing
Phase 3: Application Form Completion
Phase 4: Interview
Phase 5: Panel
Phase 6: Garda Vetting
Phase 7: Appointment
PHASE 1 – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
All candidates are invited to express their interest in applying for the position of Clerical Officer
online on the Cork City Council website at www.corkcity.ie/recruitment
An on‐line form is required to register ‐ this information will then be passed to the Psychometric
Testing Company acting on behalf of Cork City Council.
There is no requirement to submit evidence of education/experience at this point.
The admission of a person to this competition, or invitation to attend a psychometric test or
interview, is not to be taken as implying that the City Council is satisfied that such person meets
the requirements of the role or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not
carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important
therefore, for you to note the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements
for the competition before attending for psychometric testing or interview. If you do not meet
these essential entry requirements but nevertheless attend for testing or interview you will be
putting yourself to unnecessary expense, as the City Council will not be responsible for refunding
any expenses incurred.
The onus is on all applicants to make themselves available for any psychometric test or interview
and to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure that they receive communications
sent to them at the email address specified on their Expression of Interest form.
PHASE 2 – PSYCHOMETRIC TEST
After the closing date, a full list of the expressions of interest will be forwarded to an appointed
Company who will conduct the Psychometric Testing on behalf of the City Council. The
psychometric testing is expected to take place in June 2021.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021All communication for the Psychometric Testing will be through this Company.
The results will be forwarded to Cork City Council when all the tests have been completed and all
the candidates notified of their results.
PHASE 3 – APPLICATION FORM COMPLETION
Based on the marks achieved in the phase 2 a number of candidates will be invited to complete
and submit an application form to Cork City Council. Cork City Council reserves the right to
shortlist candidates based on the information supplied in the completed application forms.
Further groups may be invited to complete an application form at a later stage.
PHASE 4 ‐ INTERVIEW
The shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency‐based interview organised by Cork City
Council.
Following the interviews, a panel will be formed on which successful candidates will be ranked in
Order of Merit.
PHASE 5 ‐ PANEL
A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel
and who satisfy the Council that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they
are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panel, be appointed as
appropriate vacancies arise. The duration of the panel will be one year from the date of its
formation and may be extended for one further year at the discretion of the Director of HR
Management & Organisational Reform.
PHASE 6 – GARDA VETTING
Applicants will, on successful completion of all the above stages, will be subject to satisfactory
Garda Vetting prior to appointment.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021________________________________________________________________________________
EXISTING LOCAL AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES WITH A MINIMUM OF 12 MONTH
CONTINUOUS EXPERIENCE IN A LOCAL AUTHORITY AS AT FRIDAY 21ST MAY 2021.
In accordance with the Workplace Relations Commission Agreement, candidates who are existing
Local Authority employees with 12 months continuous employment within a Local Authority at the
closing date of the competition, will automatically progress to the interview stage of the
competition without having to complete a psychometric test. The onus is on the candidate to
ensure that they have this minimum 12 month’s Local Authority employment. Cork City Council
will not be checking this until interview stage and if you do not have the minimum 12 months you
will not progress to interview stage, as the psychometric tests may have been completed at that
stage.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate in their application and at interview that they
possess the following competencies through the experience and skills they have gained to date:
Delivering Quality Work and Services
Demonstrates a strong customer service ethos. Takes pride in the quality of service
delivered and constantly seeks to improve it.
Shows respect to colleagues and co‐workers.
Understands own role in the team, making every effort to play his/her part.
Regularly reviews and measures quality of his or her work.
Adapts quickly to new ways of doing things and suggests new ways of doing things better
and more efficiently.
Contributes ideas and suggestions as to how service activities can be improved.
Undertakes training as required to continuously improve quality work output e.g., relevant
technologies, IT systems, relevant policies etc.
Communicating Effectively
Actively listens, clarifies, and checks back to understand someone else’s
perspective/needs/requirements.
Check understanding rather than making assumptions.
Is respectful, courteous, and professional, making sure that important information is
communicated in a timely way.
Demonstrates good written and verbal skills where required and has good interpersonal
skills.
Responds in a timely and accurate way to requests for information.
Personal Motivation & Initiative
Is positively motivated to deliver a quality service to the public.
Adopts a positive and constructive approach to work.
Learns from experience and seeks to constantly improve performance.
Brings enthusiasm and dedication to the work role.
Takes the initiative when he or she sees the opportunity to contribute.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT 2021GENERAL INFORMATION
Cork City Council will not be responsible for any expense, including travelling expenses, candidates
may incur in connection with their candidature.
Candidates will be asked for details of any special requirements at each stage.
Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a
reasonable distance thereof.
Canvassing
Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or
indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise to influence in the candidate’s favour,
any member of the staff of the City Council or person nominated by the City Council to interview
or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate from the position being sought.
Candidates will be asked for details of any special requirements at each stage.
If you have any queries regarding this competition, please contact recruitment@corkcity.ie
Cork City Council is committed to protecting your personal data and we comply with our
obligations under the Data Protection Acts, 1988 – 2018, once enacted and the General Data
Protection Regulation. We gather data from you when you apply for employment with us for the
purpose of reviewing your skillset and experience to match a current vacancy when progressing
your application to interview stage.
We hold applications and additional information which may be obtained during the course of the
interview process such as interview notes, education, qualifications etc. electronically and/or
manually. In the event that your application is included in a panel, your application will be
retained for one year from the date a panel for this position is formed. In exceptional
circumstances panels can be extended for an additional year and your personal data will be kept
until the extension has expired. All provisions of our employee privacy notice will apply to the
processing of your application and a copy of Cork City Council’s privacy notice and the
Recruitment and Employee Privacy Statement are available from our website Cork City Council’s
Privacy Statement can be assessed at: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/public-
info/gdpr/
CLOSING DATE:
The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 3pm on Friday 21st May 2021.
The Expression of Interest form must be completed online at www.corkcity.ie/recruitment. You
will receive an automatic reply to acknowledge receipt of your submission.
Cork City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome diversity
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