Assistant Librarian

Role overview

The University of Ghana is seeking a suitably qualified Assistant Librarian to provide operational support within the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS) and help advance its goals and strategic priorities. The post supports day-to-day library service delivery, user engagement, teaching and learning support, and professional development through research and outreach.

Key duties

• Champion awareness and use of library collections and services across the university community.
• Deliver library instruction sessions and information literacy training.
• Apply appropriate software and tools to support engagement with students and faculty and strengthen teaching and learning.
• Assist academic departments with research-related support.
• Contribute to the profession through research, scholarly writing, and publication.
• Take part in extension and outreach activities related to librarianship.
• Provide reference assistance to library users.
• Serve in a subject librarian capacity.
• Oversee shelving activities and related shelf management.

Qualification and experience requirements

• The applicant must already be employed by the University of Ghana and must have worked at Senior Library Assistant grade, or a higher grade, for at least two years.
• A strong first degree is required, together with a research-based master’s degree of at least MPhil level, or an equivalent qualification, in Librarianship, Information Studies, Library Studies, or a related field.
• Candidates must have at least two years of relevant post-master’s work experience.
• Evidence of chartered membership in a library professional association is required, including membership of the Ghana Library Association (GLA) for at least two years.

Knowledge and skills expected

• Ability to carry out effective reference interviews.
• Capability to design and use search strategies for information retrieval.
• Experience with literature searching and research support.
• Ability to deliver library instruction.
• Working knowledge of cataloguing and classification practices.
• Understanding of shelving and shelf-reading procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and user-service orientation.
• Commitment to professional ethics in librarianship.
• Ability to support and carry out research.
• Competence with MS Office applications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Teamworking ability and the capacity to build productive working relationships.
• Familiarity with IT applications and library management systems.

Application instructions

Applications must be submitted to the Registrar, University of Ghana, as a single PDF file by email only to [email protected]. Hard-copy submissions will not be accepted.

The application pack must include the completed application form for Senior Administrative and Professional employees (UAB Form 1B), an up-to-date CV, copies of relevant educational and/or professional certificates, and two reference letters.

At least one reference letter should come from a Head of Unit at the University of Ghana who has worked with the applicant.

Reference letters should address professional competence and work output, leadership and responsibility, contribution to the University’s work, interpersonal skills, and any other relevant details.

Additional information

Location: Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

Closing date for applications: 15 May 2023.

All application materials must be combined into one PDF before submission.