Job Title Research Services Adviser

Job description

Post details

Organisational Location University Library – Information Services Group

Line Manager Head of Information Services

Duration Continuing

Job Family Library

Pay band7

Benchmark Profile Team leader (Library) Band 7

DBS Disclosure Not applicable

Ref no:LL0038

Background and context

The Information Services Group (ISG) is part of the University Library. The ISG is responsible for all aspects of the development and management of the Library’s print and digital collections, and for a range of services relating to the University’s research activity. This post is at the head of the Research Services Team, which is responsible both for services delivered directly to the academic community in areas such as open access publishing and research data management, and for metadata services necessary to facilitate access to the Library’s collections of printed and digital material.

Overall purpose of the role

The Research Services Adviser will be responsible for the development and operation of information services related to the research activity of the University, liaising with academic staff and professional service colleagues in the ICT Directorate (ICTD), Research and Enterprise Office (REO) and Strategic Development Unit (SDU) to define needs and how the Library can meet these. The post-holder will manage the team responsible for delivering research and metadata services, and also take responsibility for management of the Hydra digital repository and copyright and licensing matters related to research. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to the overall management and leadership of the University Library.

The development of research is a key strategic area for the University and the Adviser will need to ensure that all services meet strategic needs as well as take account of wider sector developments. Primary areas to be addressed will include support for open access publishing, research data management, bibliometrics, research resource discovery, and library support for the research information system. The post-holder will be expected to play a key role in promoting and raising awareness of HE sector developments in these areas.

Main duties

To liaise with academic staff on the definition and delivery of research information services, developing services in keeping with University strategic direction and sector developments
To work with ICTD, REO, and SDU and other support services as required to coordinate research services across the University
To maintain awareness of the external research information environment and trends, and to raise awareness of these in the academic community
To provide training around relevant research topics, primarily open access and research data management
To provide relevant advocacy around research information services and external policy requirements
To understand the local research environment, so as to proactively develop research services to meet needs
To manage the Hydra digital repository and the development of collections held within this
To have knowledge of bibliometrics/altmetrics and develop appropriate service provision in this area
To have knowledge of copyright and licensing and how these relate to management of research outputs, advising academic staff as required
To have knowledge of library catalogue standards and manage their application
To provide library support for the research information system
To provide line management for the Research Officer and Metadata Officer roles

Qualifications and experience

A good honours degree and relevant professional qualification
Knowledge of developments in research information services in the context of the HE sector and the wider information industry
Experience of the management and development of research information services, particularly related to open access and research data management and digital repositories
Experience of building positive relationships with academic communities and of the promotion of services to them

Core competencies

Oral and written communication – Can demonstrate the ability to provide information in a suitable format so that the others’ needs are met, and can adjust the level of content to help others understand.
Teamwork and Motivation – Can demonstrate the ability to provide operational leadership; ensures that all team members understand what is expected of them and distributes work fairly according to ability; identifies development and training needs of the team, monitors performance and gives feedback.
Service Delivery – Can demonstrate the ability to seek ways to improve and adjust current levels of service; deals with complaints and initiates contact with customers to obtain their reactions and views about the service and future needs
Decision Making Processes – Can demonstrate the ability to consider the impact of decisions on the service; knows when a decision is beyond their responsibility and refers to others
Planning and Organisation – Can demonstrate the ability to ensure that the work is carried out effectively and that resources are available to meet demand. Identifies the need for further action and resources by monitoring progress.

Professional behaviours

Building Productive Partnerships: developing lasting relationships with partners across the institution; working collaboratively with stakeholders and customers and seeking opportunities for active engagement; being an ambassador for LLI and the University.
Committed to the customer: ready to take a proactive approach to enhancing the customer experience; continually developing customer service skills; demonstrating a high standard of customer service and encouraging others to meet those standards; demonstrating an openness to customer feedback.
Leading by example: recognising that the job involves being part of a team, and acting accordingly; reacting positively to changing circumstances; acknowledging the strengths of the other members of the team; promoting the vision and values of LLI.
Prepared for the future: taking an open and positive attitude to change and feeling able to challenge the status quo; being aware of own development needs; being curious about how developments outside the immediate working environment can improve things.
Unleashing potential: recognising the scope for development in the area of research information services and working with staff to unleash their potential and the potential of those services through this.
Demonstrates the other positive behaviours as presented within the University Library’s Cultural Framework
Adheres to the University Library Staff Promise and holds those in leadership positions to the Leadership Promise