Library Support Lead (Stock & System)

Essex County Counci; Witham; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Library Support Lead to enhance library services through effective stock management and data analysis. This pivotal role involves empowering staff, optimizing resources, and ensuring collections meet community needs. You will leverage insights to drive efficiency and promote literacy, while fostering collaboration across teams. If you are passionate about improving library services and making a positive impact in the community, this is the perfect opportunity for you to thrive in a dynamic environment. Join us in shaping the future of library services!

Qualifications

• Educated to RQF Level 5 or equivalent in operational management.
• Proven ability to empower staff in data-driven stock management.

Responsibilities

• Manage online and physical resources for customer-led stock selection.
• Lead the development of the library catalogue for seamless access.

Skills

Operational Management

Data Analysis

Staff Empowerment

Communication Skills

Budget Management

Education

RQF Level 5 or equivalent

Tools

LMS

Collection HQ

Job description

Library Support Lead (Stock & System)

Permanent, Full Time

£39,944 to £46,993 per annum

Location: Witham*

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 12th March 2025

*This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Witham office expected to be 2-3 days per week on average, depending on business need.

The Library Support Lead plays a pivotal role in ensuring Essex Libraries maximise the use of their physical and digital collections, creating a dynamic and customer-led library experience. The role is responsible for empowering staff to make informed stock choices based on local customer needs and community engagement, ensuring collections reflect user demand and local demographics.

Leveraging data insights and stock management tools, the role drives efficiency, improves resource utilisation, and promotes Essex Libraries as a trusted source of information and a leader in literacy and community engagement. The Library Support Lead also ensures the accuracy of the library catalogue and facilitates collaboration across Area Manager teams to align library operations with both local and national trends.

With expertise in library operations, systems, and data analysis, the role fosters a collaborative environment that supports literacy, accessibility, and the continuous improvement of the library service, and is responsible for the line management of library service support assistants.

Accountabilities

1. Manage all online and physical resources to ensure a customer-led, data-informed, and staff-empowered selection of stock across the library service, ensuring alignment with user demand and demographic insights.
2. Lead the development of the accuracy of the library catalogue, ensuring it provides seamless access to stock and reflects real-time availability across all branches.
3. Empower staff by providing continuous support and training on stock management, resource promotion, and planning.
4. Oversee and optimise stock management systems, e.g. LMS and Collection HQ.
5. Analyse stock data, customer feedback, and demographic trends to deliver actionable insights that improve stock acquisition, circulation, and overall customer satisfaction.
6. Collaborate with suppliers, distributors, and logistics teams to ensure efficient stock management.
7. Ensure optimal stock availability, supporting events and promotions while avoiding overstocking or shortages.
8. Leverage data insights to improve resource usage and foster a vibrant and connected library community.
9. Support library refurbishment projects and service changes.
10. Support the development of innovative programmes and services that reflect national trends and community needs.
11. Control stock-related costs and manage the book fund in collaboration with the Area Managers.
12. Collaborate with Area Managers and frontline staff to align resource availability with event promotions and library activities.
13. Provide detailed reports and insights on stock performance, budget usage, and resource optimisation to senior management.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

1. Educated to Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) Level 5 or equivalent by experience in operational management.
2. Evidence of continuing professional development and good knowledge in relevant professional area.
3. Proven ability to empower, motivate, and coach staff to make data-driven decisions on stock management.
4. Demonstrated expertise in managing stock levels and supplier relationships.
5. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate across all levels of the organisation.
6. Strong proficiency in analysing stock data, demographic trends, and collection usage.
7. Extensive experience in managing budgets, with a focus on cost-effective resource allocation.
8. Ability to identify inefficiencies in stock management and library operations.

What you should do next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please apply via the Working for Essex website.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, please join The Essex Talent Community.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email [e-mail].