Library Assistant

Middlesex University Dubai; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Middlesex University Dubai is seeking a Library Services postholder to welcome patrons, handle enquiries, and maintain daily circulation operations. The role covers shelving, stock security, and training in self-service facilities, with emphasis on accuracy and customer focus.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, proficiency with MS Office, and a good grasp of databases and web resources, supporting a diverse student body in a dynamic university library.

Qualifications

• Required: Relevant post-secondary degree qualification
• Preferred: Related and appropriate practical experience in a University Library environment

Responsibilities

• Welcome patrons and visitors and create a positive first impression.
• Own general library enquiries and resolve issues with judgment and initiative.
• Explain self-service facilities and train patrons in their use.
• Ensure policies and standards are adhered to.
• Organise daily circulation activities: shelving, stock, and security of items; manage computers, printers, and copiers.
• Maintain and update routine spreadsheets and reports (circulation stats, acquisitions).
• Compile reading lists and prepare textbook orders with faculty.
• Develop and maintain library procedures and manuals.
• Standby to the MDX Reception Desk.
• Represent the Library to other university units and at meetings.
• Promote safety in the workplace.
• Support staff development and mentor new staff/interns.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

MS Office

Written & verbal comms

Database & web resources

Team player

Initiative

Attention to detail

Workload prioritization

Customer service

Diversity awareness

Education

Relevant post-secondary degree qualification

University Library experience (preferred)

Job description

Principal Duties and Accountability

• To provide a warm welcome to all patrons and visitors and create a positive first impression of the Library.
• To take ownership of general library enquiries and issues: use judgment and initiative in determining the most effective resolutions.
• To explain the facilities provided by the range of self-service equipment and provide training to patrons in their use.
• To assume delegated responsibility for ensuring that the appropriate policies and standards are adhered to.
• Organise and execute daily circulation activities: maintain the Library collection and equipment (including shelving, storage, and security of stock, plus computers, printers and copiers); carry out routine checks and resolving or escalating issues in line with agreed procedures.
• Maintain and update routine spreadsheets and reports (e.g. circulation statistics, collection acquisition) as directed, following established formats and templates.
• Compile and maintain accurate reading lists and prepare related textbook orders in coordination with faculty.
• Participate in the development of library goals, policies and priorities, and contribute to project groups and quality improvement initiatives as required.
• Develop and maintain appropriate procedure manuals.
• Serve as standby to the MDX Reception Desk.
• Represent the Library to other University units and at professional meetings as required.
• Promote and maintain safety in the workplace.
• Participate in relevant staff development activities and develop new skills and competencies to meet the changing needs of the service; assist in the training and mentoring of new staff and / or interns.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as requested by University management.

Qualifications

• Required: Relevant post-secondary degree qualification
• Preferred: Related and appropriate practical experience in a University Library environment

Disposition

The postholder will need to be calm and effective in dealing with students, staff, faculty, and visitors of the University, and efficient in dealings with external bodies and personnel.

The postholder will need to be able to convey confidence and positiveness to members of the public, staff and students.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact persuasively and sensitively with students and staff at every level
• Proven knowledge and experience of computing devices and software, printers, and copiers
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Excellent knowledge of databases and web-based resources and interfaces
• Ability to work as a good team member with commitment to achieving excellence
• Accurate and methodical with a practical approach and an enthusiasm for providing high quality library services
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to take initiative, with minimum supervision
• Good understanding of the youth mentality and cultural diversity issues

The intent of this job description is to provide representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. As a rapidly growing institution, Middlesex employees may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.