ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN Salary: £25,000 to £32,000

The Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations was established in London by the Aga Khan University in 2002.  The goal of the Institute is to strengthen research and teaching on the heritage of Muslim societies as they have evolved over time, and on the challenges these societies face in a globalising world. The social sciences and humanities provide sound intellectual tools to study the construction of knowledge, processes of social change, structures of governance, and creative expressions across Muslim societies and cultures. AKU-ISMC also seeks to create opportunities for interaction among academics, traditionally trained scholars and other professionals in an effort to deepen the understanding of issues affecting Muslim societies today.

The Assistant Librarian will work with the Librarian to support teaching and research through:
•    the selection and preparation of materials
•    the maintenance of collections
•    the development and provision of electronic and print resources in relevant subjects and research themes.
The Institute’s library holds a unique collection on Muslim cultures, in a variety of languages; that serve the teaching needs of the Institute and also offer a significantly distinctive scholarly research collection.

In return, the University offers a competitive salary, a 35 hour working week, a generous pension scheme, childcare vouchers, personal accident and life insurance (after qualifying period).
For further details please visit us at: http://www.aku.edu/ismc

Responsibilities
1.    Cataloguing and classifying new and existing accessions, using an automated Library Management System, AACRII, MARC21, LC classification and subject headings; editing existing records where necessary.
2.    Assisting with acquisitions and managing the electronic resources and periodical collections.
3.    Assisting with reference and circulation services to readers, including answering e-mail, telephone and other enquiries.
4.    Supervising the Reading Room, with responsibility for security whilst on duty there.
5.    Developing a working knowledge of the Library’s collections, printed, electronic and audio-visual.
6.    Preparing consignments of Library material for despatch to commercial binders; liaising with binding contractors; checking returns and invoices.
7.    Assisting with the training and supervision of the Library Assistants.
8.    Assisting in the development of the Library Management System and the On-line Public Access Catalogue.
9.    Assisting with the development of the Library’s website
10.    Participate in the AKU-ISMC’s information literacy programs
11.    Participate actively in AKU-ISMC’s research and learning activities
12.    To take an active approach to continuing professional development
13.    Undertake general duties, including assistance with reprographic services, group visits, and other duties as required.
Requirements
Essential

Education:
•    An IFLA/CILIP recognised Library/Information Science qualification, preferably at the Master’s level or equivalent experience in a research intensive academic library
•    A good honours degree in a subject relevant to the discipline of Muslim studies, Islamic studies, or Middle Eastern Studies, i.e. Arabic and either Persian, Turkish
•    The ability to read, and where appropriate, communicate in the language concerned, or sufficient experience to be able to provide the services required
Skills/Aptitudes:
•    Relevant experience as a library professional
•    Good IT skills, including accurate keyboarding and the ability to pay attention to detail
•    Excellent skills in online scholarly and academic resource retrieval
•    Experience of cataloguing in MARC21 and to AACRII standards
•    Experience of Library of Congress classification and subject headings
•    Ability to work methodically and accurately
•    Good verbal and written communication skills
Personal Attributes:
•    Able to prioritise duties, meet deadlines and work simultaneously on several projects
•    Able to work unsupervised and as a member of a team
•    Able to deal politely and efficiently with patrons
•    Able to work under pressure in the Reading Room
•    Ability to work to agreed standards
Knowledge/Experience:
•    Working knowledge of Arabic and/or at least one other major language of a Muslim region to the level required for selection, cataloguing and classification
•    An interest in the field of Muslim studies
Desirable Attributes
•    An interest in the aims and work of the Library and a desire to enhance access to collections through electronic means
•    Familiarity/experience in web page management/design
•    Familarity with international metadata standards
•    Familiarity with digitisation issues
•    Experience of working with a diverse and multilingual readership
•    Knowledge of reprographic practices, techniques and standards
To Apply
Candidates with permission to work in the UK, should submit a CV and covering letter stating how their skills and experience meet the person specification via email to: ismc.personnel@aku.edu or via post to:

Human Resources Department
Aga Khan University
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
210 Euston Road
London, NW1 2DA
Applications should be submitted latest by January 13, 2011.
Disclaimer
AKU-ISMC is part of Aga Khan University (AKU), an international university with operations in ten countries. By submitting an application to AKU-ISMC you agree to revoke your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 thereby permitting AKU-ISMC to share the contents of your application with relevant colleagues at our headquarters institution AKU Karachi, and with its nominated agents for the purpose of completing this recruitment exercise. AKU-ISMC will only contact those candidates who have been short-listed for an interview.