Information Specialist

Vega School; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 25 000 - 45 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking an Information Specialist to manage its Writing Centre and Information Centre. This role involves overseeing daily operations, supporting academic activities, and conducting training sessions for students and staff. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science and at least three years of experience in an academic library. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and a focus on innovative information services. Join a team dedicated to fostering academic excellence and supporting student success.

Benefits

Learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning

Staff discounts

Bonuses

Provident fund

Birthday vouchers

Annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years experience in an academic library is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Writing Centre and oversee daily operations of the Information Centre.
• Conduct training sessions for students and staff on information literacy and research skills.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Coaching Skills

Mentoring Skills

Problem-solving

Time Management

Digital Literacy

Technology Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science

Professional Registration with LIASA

Tools

MS Office

Library Systems

Job description

Direct Reporting Line: Head of Academic

Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).

The IIE is a leading private higher education provider in South Africa, registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The IIE's Varsity College, Waterfall Campus, is seeking an Information Specialist.

Responsibilities

1. Management of the Writing Centre
2. Oversee daily operations of the Information Centre, including loans and requests
3. Manage facility, computer usage, and periodicals administration
4. Coordinate with departments to support academic activities
5. Establish effective relationships with staff, students, and external suppliers
6. Prepare reports on Information Centre activities
7. Develop and maintain a hybrid information collection
8. Edit and classify information sources, and manage cataloguing
9. Supervise staff and student assistants
10. Assist with digital information services and auxiliary services
11. Ensure good conduct in learning spaces
12. Monitor system performance and liaise with capacity management
13. Adhere to college policies and procedures
14. Provide feedback to management

User Support and Training

1. Conduct classes and training sessions for students and staff
2. Teach information literacy, academic writing, referencing, and research skills
3. Guide users on database usage (e.g., Ebscohost, HeinOnline)
4. Address user inquiries and stay updated on industry developments

Research Support and Output

1. Support postgraduate research and academic staff
2. Engage in personal research activities

Marketing and Promotion

1. Create promotional materials and displays
2. Coordinate awareness campaigns

Administrative Tasks

1. Manage records and invoices
2. Maintain and update library resources
3. Recruit and train student assistants
4. Conduct stocktaking and report generation

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years in an academic library
• Professional registration with LIASA

Skills

• Interpersonal, communication, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Problem-solving and time management
• Digital literacy and technology knowledge (e.g., MS Office, library systems)
• Innovative, energetic, research-oriented

Working Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00-17:00 or 07:00-16:00, with one to two Saturday shifts per month from 08:00 to 13:00. Adjusted hours on Fridays when working Saturday.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning
• Staff discounts, bonuses, provident fund, and birthday vouchers
• Annual leave allowance

Application Process

Only candidates with closely matching qualifications will be contacted. For technical support, use the provided URL. The institution is an equal opportunity employer and may close the vacancy early.