Chief Officer: Virtual Services Librarian (Post level 8) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement virtualisation of LIS services.
• Develop and administer the LIS Springshare suite, for example, LibGuides and LibAnswers with LiveChat.
• Investigate, develop, and implement virtual and augmented reality in the LIS.
• Investigate and recommend innovative software and tools to enhance the LIS virtual environment.
• Regular exploration of virtual tools in support of the LIS teaching and learning programmes.
• Regular exploration and implementation of virtual tools that enhance the research output's visibility globally.
• Keep abreast of virtual library environment developments in collaboration with LIS faculty librarians.
• Research and publication of academic article(s) on virtual library services. 
• Develop effective strategic relationships and stakeholder management in collaboration with the LIS Marketing and Engaged Scholarship Assistant Director to ensure LIS visibility.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to create awareness and increase usage of LIS online information resources and services.
• Increase the visibility of the LIS in the academic and research programmes of the UFS.
• Conduct general and focused roadshows to internal stakeholders.
• Take part in campus-wide events, for example, career fairs, open days, and inaugural lectures.
• Develop and conduct satisfaction and information need surveys to determine users’ perception of the LIS in collaboration with the LIS Quality Assurance Officer.
• Build skills in research analytical tools for the UFS community.
• Develop online training guides to support the UFS research community.
• Develop and implement programmes for the skills development of LIS staff in the virtual library environment.
• Guide faculty librarians on the implementation of virtual services. 
• Share best practices with the sector.
• Provide support to the LIS Digital Library Services for LIS website development and maintenance.
• Develop, maintain, and provide support for the LIS Blackboard site. 

Inherent requirements:

• Postgraduate diploma on NQF level 8 in Library and Information Science.
• Bachelor/ BTech degree on NQF level 7 or equivalent in Library and Information Science.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience (virtual platforms).

Recommendations: 

• A qualification in ICT

Competencies

Required competencies:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
• The ability to deal with several activities at a time. 
• 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.

Leading: 

• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm.
• 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.