Role Profile: Information Consultant for ASCEL
(The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians)
· Qualified librarian, information or research
· Salary: ￡250 per day
· Initially 2.5 days per month split into 5 half days, but some flexibility may be needed to check sources
· Home working post
· Length of contract: One year in first instance
· Line manager: ASCEL Chair
Purpose of role:
The information consultant supports ASCEL members with a current awareness service relating to children and young people’s public and schools’ library services. This includes a marketing element managing social media and the ASCEL website. She/he supports the work plan of the ASCEL National Committee working closely with the Chair.
Accountabilities :
· To provide a regular email current awareness service to members identifying areas of relevance to children and young people’s public and/or schools library services. This will include checking all significant websites, media sources and newsletters and sending relevant policy and research information and funding opportunities to ASCEL members in summary format with links two/three times per week.
· To produce a monthly digest based on the email current awareness service which is emailed to members and posted on the ASCEL website (members only).
· To support the information needs of the committee, for example compiling research evidence in support of the current work programme, assisting with press releases or submissions to government consultations, etc.
· To act as a first ‘port of call’ for members’ enquiries.
· To update and upload information on the ASCEL website.
· To maintain the ASCEL twitter account in accordance with ASCEL’s tweeting guidelines
· To research all funding opportunities relating to library services for children and young people and highlight and disseminate them.
· To attend at least 2 out of the 5 annual ASCEL National Committee meetings
· To attend ASCEL’s National Conference in November (ASCEL to fund).
Level of Knowledge
· Relevant advanced knowledge of library services to children and young people, including understanding of organisational policies, practices and procedures associated with both the general operation of library services and the specialism.
· Detailed knowledge of the initiatives, relevant information sources and developments particularly relevant to library services to children in public libraries, SLS and school library settings.
· Awareness of the issues which affect library services such as copyright, equal opportunities, health and safety and safeguarding.
Skills
· Able to summarise key information from a range of sources succinctly
· Able to think clearly and logically
· Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative and to take direction
· Able to prioritise time and work, plan to and meet deadlines
· Strong customer focus and the ability to provide a professional service to meet ASCEL members’ needs.
· Proficient in word processing; spreadsheets and PowerPoint
· Proficient in undertaking research using online sources.
· Understanding of the use and impact of social media
· Basic understanding of website management and a willingness to develop skills
· Able to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms appropriate to the situation.
Competencies
· Initiative – Responding to unanticipated problems. The post-holder receives advice and guidance from ASCEL Committee where appropriate.
· Customer service – Works with a focus on delivering services to the customer, acting with integrity and respect on behalf of the organisation and honouring confidentiality.
· Inclusive – Supports equality and diversity and respects customers, clients and other members of staff regardless of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic origin.
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Information C onsultant post for ASCEL Rev : December 2014