View Vacancy -- Library Assistant - Operations Group - Library - LMB 1685

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

Overall purpose:

To provide professional and proactive support to the Library users at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) by working to provide a range of Library Services. The post also provides administrative support to the Librarian and as part of a small team ensures the smooth operation of the Library.

The Library is a key resource for LMB scientists and other members of staff. In addition to running the physical Library space and managing access to a large number of electronic resources the Library supports scientists with their information needs by obtaining papers and books as required. The Library plays a key role for scientists in managing publications by processing all paperwork related to publication costs, including Open Access. The LMB Archive and Library together maintain a complete list of LMB publications. The post of Library Assistant is actively involved with supporting LMB scientists through the provision of the above services.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    To work to support and maintain the range of services offered by the LMB Library to LMB staff:

•    To support LMB Library users by responding to a wide range of enquiries within agreed deadlines both via e-mail and in person.

•    To promptly act upon document requests by locating and contacting potential sources and sending received documents to the requester.

•    To support the publications process – assisting scientists by completing paperwork and arranging payment of publication fees in an accurate and timely manner.

•    To support the Librarian to ensure that LMB publications comply with current research funder policy requirements and to inform LMB scientists of these requirements.

•    To raise orders for books, Library resources and publication fees, sending invoices for payment and identifying and resolving any payment issues.

•    To assist users’ access to the Library collections and online resources.

•    To record book loans on an Excel spreadsheet and to contact users with overdue books to ask for their renewal or return.

•    To oversee the accurate cataloguing of books on the Library’s FileMaker Pro book catalogue database and ensure records are accurate and up to date.

•    To conduct online bibliographic searching using tools such as Pubmed to support the process to track and record LMB publications.

•    To contribute to ensuring that the Library’s records of print and online journal holdings are up to date.

•    To proactively manage and monitor the deposit of LMB theses by LMB PhD students.
 
•    To maintain accurate records of orders, publications, new LMB staff and other related Library service activities using Excel spreadsheets and databases.

•    To ensure that the Library and its collections are well-ordered, tidy and available for use. 

•    To ensure stationery levels are maintained within the Library, ordering stock when necessary. 

•    To carry out stock checks and re-organise book and print journal collections as required.

•    To deputise for the Librarian as appropriate for example sending subscription invoices for payment, liaising with publishers, promoting Library services or supporting Library inductions.

Working relationships:

•    This is a hands-on role and involves interactions with staff at all levels.

•    You will report to the LMB Librarian and will be part of the Library Team.

•    You will need to develop effective working relationships with LMB researchers and other LMB staff, so that you are seen as an effective member of the Library Team.

Additional information:

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.  This role is permanent and can be worked on a full or part time basis (minimum 21 hours per week), please include in your cover letter your preferred hours.

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential: Educated to A level standard or equivalent experience.

Desirable: Educated to Degree Level or equivalent experience.

Previous work experience required:

Essential:
•    Experience of working in an Office environment and providing general administration.
•    Experience of working in a user focussed service.

Desirable:
•    Experience of academic libraries or publishing.

Knowledge and experience:

IT:
Essential:
•    IT literate, especially Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), databases and the internet.
•    Ability to manipulate records and work on databases.

Information Handling:
Essential:
•    Experience of gathering information from various sources to respond to enquiries.

Desirable:  
•    Experience in maintenance of information and library print and online resources.
•    Experience of using library search tools such as catalogues, online databases and classification schemes. 
•    Experience in assisting users with reference and research enquiries.

Project Management:
Desirable:  
•    Experience of managing specific projects.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential: 
•    Polite, professional, approachable and consistent.
•    A positive attitude and willingness to adapt and learn new things.
•    Works well as part of a team.
•    Good organisational skills with the ability to adapt to regularly changing priorities and workloads.
•    Ability to capture fine details and ensure consistency of data in an efficient manner.
•    A desire to provide a high quality service and to commit to its continuing improvement.
•    An interest in science and libraries.

Verbal and written communication:
Essential: 
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
•    Ability to interact with staff at all levels.

Initiative and time management:
Essential:
•    Ability to prioritise work and answer end users queries in a timely manner.
•    Ability to work to tight deadlines.
•    Ability to act on own initiative, but also to know when to seek advice. 
•    Ability to provide accurate information and data.
•    A proven ability to work without or under limited supervision.