Librarian (International) – South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR)

The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Marine and Coastal Science Specialist Librarian. This role requires a unique combination of subject expertise in marine and coastal science, library and information management skills, technical competencies, and a genuine enthusiasm for facilitating research. The Librarian will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) library, including managing the library budget. This is a permanent position based at the SAAMBR facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Collection Development & Maintenance: Develop, organize, and maintain both general and specialized library collections related to marine and coastal sciences, ensuring they meet the needs of researchers, students, and staff.
• Library Systems & Innovation: Create and maintain efficient library systems, policies, and procedures. Continuously investigate and implement new technologies, innovations, and upgrades to enhance library services and functions.
• Operational Planning: Identify potential risks, opportunities, and challenges for the library and develop an annual operational plan with input from the ORI Library Committee. Track progress and ensure the plan is implemented effectively.
• Information Access & Services: Promote the ORI library’s collections and ensure they are accessible to both internal and external stakeholders. Provide high-quality information, reference services, and research support to users locally and internationally.
• Collaboration with External Libraries: Identify and foster collaborations with external libraries to facilitate interlibrary loaning, subscriptions, and sharing of resources.
• Research Support: Assist library users in sourcing references and accessing published and unpublished research material not available in the ORI Library, enhancing the library’s research capabilities.
• Budget & Infrastructure Management: Manage the library budget and ensure the library space, holdings, infrastructure, and equipment are well-maintained and effectively utilized.
• Staff Mentorship & Training: Provide mentorship to library assistants and interns, offering guidance and training to ensure efficient library operations. Support library users through training and assistance in utilizing library resources effectively.
• Database Management: Maintain an up-to-date database of marine and coastal research articles, legislation, media releases, and other relevant materials, ensuring easy access and retrieval of critical information.

Qualifications:

• An information technology/library science (NQF level 7) qualification from a Higher Education Institution (University or University of Technology).
• A postgraduate qualification would be an added benefit.
• Experience working as a librarian for at least five years, preferably at a specialist library.
• Experience using integrated library systems e.g., LibWin or equivalent electronic library cataloguing systems.
• MS Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.