Librarian: Research Support

UWC Sport; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape is seeking a Librarian: Research Support to enhance the learning and research experience through innovative library services. This permanent full-time position involves managing the research commons, conducting workshops, and ensuring the effective delivery of research support. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Library & Information Sciences and 3-5 years of library experience, preferably in academic settings.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ relevant library work experience in an academic or research setting.
• Experience in conducting group workshops in physical and online environments.
• Staff supervision experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop learning materials and facilitate library research workshops.
• Manage the Research Commons and supervise staff and student assistants.
• Coordinate and supervise virtual reference services.

Skills

Knowledge of online reference services

Knowledge of virtual learning environments

Good verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

Degree in Library & Information Sciences at NQF level 8

Tools

Chatbots

Libchat

Sakai

Moodle

Job description

Title of Position

Librarian: Research Support

Post Number

8026795 (ITS:SH81)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> Library Services

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

6/7/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape Library Services’ vision is to be a strategic partner recognised for our excellence in innovative and relevant library services. Our Library mission is to enrich the learning, teaching and research experience by providing relevant resources and expertise to enable academic success.

The primary role of the Librarian: Research Support & Impact is to plan and conduct institutional and faculty postgraduate and researcher training programmes. Lead services geared towards research impact analysis. To manage the research commons and postgraduate facility and research resources in the library as well as the co-ordination virtual reference services.

The Successful Incumbent Will Be Responsible For

• Develop learning materials and facilitate library research workshops and webinars
• Manage the Research Commons and supervise staff and student assistants
• Deploy and assess research software packages
• Coordinate and supervise virtual reference services
• Develop and participate in researcher programmes to support early career researchers
• Assess and build a collection that meets the University’s research needs.
• Assist with activities related to library research support including open science
• Coordinate functions related to the research portal and research guides
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience)

• A degree in Library & Information Sciences at NQF level 8 or equivalent qualification
• 3-5 years’ relevant library work experience preferably in an academic or research setting
• Proven experience in conducting group workshops in physical and online environments
• Staff Supervision experience
  
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Knowledge of online reference services using Chatbots, Libchat or similar platforms
• Knowledge of virtual learning environments i.e. Sakai; Moodle etc.
• Knowledge of reference management tools and other software packages
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently within a team environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Presentation and report writing skills
  
  

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.