Chief Officer: Research and Scholarly Communications Librarian (post level 8) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Maintain comprehensive UFS Institutional Repositories aimed at increasing the visibility, accessibility, and discoverability of its research/scholarly output.
• Collect research/scholarly output to be shared and preserved (Theses, dissertations, inaugural lectures, public and memorial lectures, etc.).
• Advocate for and create awareness about Open Scholarship (open access publishing, accredited journals, predatory journals, copyright).
• Provide technical support for scholarly communications (Open Access - DSpace, Online Journal System - OJS, ORCID researcher ID system, data repository - Figshare).
• Responsible for maintenance and administration of Open Access scholarly communications publication platforms (Open Journal Systems. Open Monograph Press, Open Conference Systems).
• Support and train Postgraduate Students and Supervisors.
• Support researchers in all stages of the research data cycle (Planning, collection, analysis, sharing and archiving).
• Increase the visibility of the UFS LIS in the academic programme of the University through the planning and celebration of Open Access Week as the Library’s flagship project.
• Build strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Benchmark with colleagues in the open science movement and enhance operations on this trend.
• Contribute towards the enhancement of LibGuides on open science services.
• Present a quarterly report at the end of each term by extracting data from all these

platforms to demonstrate the impact of the UFS research output globally.

• Responsible for the overall management of the university’s research output by uploading the UFS research output on KovsieScholar to increase the visibility and access to the research output.
• Keep track of the latest research publication as funded by the LIS.
• Keep abreast with the latest Dspace developments to be in line with the best practice.
• Collaborate with library research support teams.
• Responsible for the management of the stakeholders in the research cycle.
• Manage the library workflow for uploading of the research data on Figshare (Data Repository).
• Assist the university community with Research Data Management Plan (RDMP).
• Contribute to continuous development and review of Research Data Management Policy in line with international best practices.
• Contribute data in the review of Masters and Doctoral programmes.
• Equip postgraduate students and researchers with information and research skills required for scholarly publication.
• Support and equip researchers with knowledge and skills for data curation.
• Support researchers with skills and knowledge about intellectual property rights e.g., Copyright and licensing.
• Support researchers on compliance with the University’s and funding agency's (such as NRF) expectations, policies, and legal requirements.
• Train researchers on research data management plans and tools.
• Guide researchers on how to find and reuse existing data collected by other researchers.
• Create relevant metadata in line with the approved metadata schema on different repositories.
• Conduct quality control of metadata in cases of self-submission by patrons.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science: B.Bibl on NQF level 7or Equivalent (Any degree plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies).
• Three (3) to four (4) years’ relevant experience.
• 2023 LIASA membership certificate.     

Recommendations:

• A qualification in ICT would be an added advantage.
• Working knowledge of DSpace.
• Knowledge of Library and Information Science as a profession.
• Knowledge of the academic world.
• Knowledge of Information Communication and Technology.
• Management of human resources management.
• Benchmarking knowledge and skills.
• Conducting users’ needs surveys.
• Knowledge of Open Access movement and publishing.
• Knowledge of Online Journal Publishing.
• Knowledge of library management systems (Sierra).
• Knowledge of Copyright Legislation.
• Knowledge of data curation and management.
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Training and presentation skills.
• Report, proposals and articles writing skills.
• Quality control and assessment of services.
• Honours degree/Postgraduate Diploma on NQF level 8.
• experience within the higher education environment.
• knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures.
• Member of a or registration at a professional body.

Competencies
Required competencies:

Results Orientated:

• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.