Assistant Information Specialist

ADvTECH; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Durban North seeks an Assistant Information Specialist. The role involves training students on databases, assisting with research, and managing library services. Candidates need an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science, professional registration with LIASA, and at least one year of relevant experience. This position promises a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including lifelong learning opportunities and performance bonuses.

Benefits

Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning

Staff and family discounts on educational programs

Incentive bonus structure

Death & Funeral Cover contributions

Birthday vouchers

Competitive annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Must have professional registration with LIASA.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as an assistant librarian.

Responsibilities

• Train students on Information Centre databases.
• Support academic staff with research.
• Coordinate book loans and inter-library loans.

Skills

Interpersonal and communications skills

Problem solving skills

Attention to detail

Time management skills

Digital literacy skills

Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Understanding of library related technology

Education

Advanced Diploma/ Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science

Job description

Emeris consolidates resources and expertise from IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE-Vega School, and IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management, with a unified approach ensuring a consistent standard of excellence in teaching, learning, and student support.

Emeris, Durban North Campus has a vacancy for an Assistant Information Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

User Education

• Continuously trains students on how to use Information Centre databases to enable them to research and access information required e.g. Ebscohost, Juta Law, Emerald, Sabinet etc.
• Facilitates bi-annual and walk-in presentations as joint presenters on Student Information Literacy Sessions and Lecturer information briefings.

Information Specialist Support

• Drives The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) Information Centre policies and procedures and ensures adherence to policies.
• Supports the Information Specialist in training the Information Centre Student Assistants.

Information Centre Administration

• Assists students and lecturers with research by searching for relevant articles and research material.
• Provides guidance to students on academic writing.
• Requests lecturing material from Publishers and sources additional material for Academic staff.
• Monitors the performance of all functions of Information Centre automated Information Centre systems.
• Updates new books on the Sirsi Dynix to ensure accurate record keeping.
• Compiles journal content pages relevant to specific schools including newspaper articles.
• Co‑ordinates day‑to‑day book loans of students and lecturers (issuing, renewing and returning) and follows up on overdue loans by sending emails and calling Information Centre users.
• Facilitates inter‑Information Centre loans to enable availability of resources to support students and lecturers.

Provision of Information Services

• Facilitates academic support and training sessions on our digital learning platform.
• Supports academic staff with research and sourcing academic material.
• Conducts class visits and live interactive training sessions for students and lecturers.
• Supports students on how to access, submit and reset passwords on Turnitin and Safe Assign.

Information Centre Resources Marketing

• Designs interactive posters to market Information Centre resources on campus.
• Arranges monthly displays according to the calendar set out by the Information Centre Manager.
• Promotes Information Centre resources on various platforms using creative digital tools.
• Markets teaching and learning resources to lecturers.
• Presents information about teaching and learning resources and information services during information sessions.

Competencies required

• Interpersonal and communications skills
• Problem solving skills
• Best suited to a friendly, organised person who works accurately and is able to handle pressure
• Attention to detail
• Time management skills
• Digital literacy skills
• Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Understanding of library related technology (e.g. Law online databases, Sirsi Dynix, Emerald, Ebscohost, Sabinet. etc)
• Commitment to excellent customer service

Minimum Education Requirements

• Minimum of Advanced Diploma/ Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science. Must have professional registration with LIASA.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as an assistant librarian in a small to medium sized facility within an education environment and experience in academic compliance, functions / activities experience within a Higher Education environment.

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00
• Friday 08h00 - 12h00
• Could be required to work Saturdays (08:00 to 17:00) and/or weekday evenings (10:00 to 19:00)

Salary

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
• Staff and family discounts on educational programs within our brand portfolio.
• Incentive bonus structure based on performance and achievement of goals.
• Provident fund contributions, including Death & Funeral Cover, to support your financial well‑being and future planning.
• Birthday vouchers to celebrate your special day.
• Competitive annual leave allowance for well‑deserved time off and rejuvenation.

Application Response

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, please note that personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.

Technical Support

• Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance : https://hire.simplify.hr/ContactUs

Emeris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. However, preference may be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act. The company reserves the right to close or place the vacancy on hold at any time, without prior notice.