Library Assistant

MDX Dubai and Dhabi Contracting LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Middlesex University Dubai is seeking a Library Assistant to enhance library operations, provide excellent customer service to users, and support administrative tasks. The role includes staffing the circulation desk, maintaining the collection and equipment, and assisting with reading lists, loans, acquisitions, digitisation, and social media presence.

The position reports to the Library Manager and is based at the Middlesex University Dubai campus in the United Arab Emirates.

Qualifications

• Experience in a University Library environment preferred.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with library databases and office software.
• Ability to work as part of a team and manage workload.

Responsibilities

• Provide a warm welcome to patrons at the Library desk.
• Address general enquiries and determine effective resolutions.
• Explain self-service facilities and train patrons in their use.
• Maintain Library collection, shelving, and equipment, including stock security.
• Update circulation statistics and acquisitions spreadsheets.
• Prepare reading lists and coordinate textbook orders with faculty.
• Contribute to development of library goals and quality initiatives.
• Promote safety and participate in staff development activities.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Databases & web resources

Team player

Prioritization

Initiative

Communication

Education

Experience in a University Library environment

Tools

Library software

Job description

The position of Library Assistant is to enhance the Library's operations by providing excellent customer service to Middlesex University Dubai users and providing administrative support to the Library. The Library Assistant executes and organizes circulation-related activities, oversees the maintenance of the Library collection and equipment, and represents the Library to other University units. They staff the circulation desk, maintain the physical collection, and guide students and other users. They assist with services such as: reading lists; library loans; acquisitions processing; digitisation; and the Library’s social media presence; amongst other activities. The key responsibility of the Library Assistant is to provide excellent service to students, faculty, and staff of the University and to contribute towards an enriching learning experience.

The position reports to the Library Manager. The position is based at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 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 skillsExcellent 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.