Information Assistant (Acquisitions) - Academic Services - 100236 - Grade 4

University of Birmingham•Birmingham, MI

1d•£27,546 - £32,595•Onsite

About The Position

The post sits within the Acquisitions Team, part of the wider Collection Development Team. This team is part of the Collections, Discovery and Research Communications Division of Libraries and Learning Resources. The division acquires and manages access to an extensive collection of information resources in a range of different formats in support of teaching, learning and research at the University of Birmingham. You will join a team that plays a key role in delivering one of the core purposes of Library and Learning Resources, which is obtaining content and making it accessible to the University community and beyond. The team obtains material in various formats, including print books, e-books, streaming content, and DVDs, and in a variety of languages. It resources reading lists created by academic staff to support their teaching and processes inter-library loan requests made by university staff and students. Working as part of the team you will undertake a range of operational duties in support of these activities. You will also provide accurate and timely information and advice to colleagues and resolve queries relating to the work of the team. In addition, you will have opportunities to contribute to the development and improvement of team tasks and processes, and to get involved in wider Libraries and Learning Resources activities and projects.

Requirements

GCSEs to a minimum of grade C/4 in both English and Mathematics (or equivalent level 2 qualification)
Strong numeracy and literacy skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including listening and questioning skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Good level of IT literacy, including confidence in using a range of standard applications, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, etc., and the ability and willingness to develop these skills further, and to learn and adapt to new technologies
Experience of using and maintaining complex and specialist systems and processes, e.g., library management and discovery systems, supplier platforms and third-party databases
Ability to work with accuracy to required standards and deadlines, and demonstrate attention to detail
Good organisational skills with the ability to plan own work
Demonstrable ability to work both independently and on your own initiative, and as part of a team
Ability to work reliably and flexibly in a busy environment
Experience of handling and resolving customer enquiries
Understanding of the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or experience of library work, the book trade or publishing industry is desirable

Responsibilities

Use library management systems and supplier databases to identify and order print and electronic library materials, to track orders, and to check and receipt newly purchased stock. Liaise with colleagues and suppliers as needed to resolve queries.
Create, edit, and review university reading lists using library management systems.
Use library management systems and external library catalogues to process and fulfil inter-library loan requests from university staff and students, including ordering, receipting and returning loaned items, monitoring progress of requests, and liaising with library users and suppliers to resolve queries.
Work with spreadsheet reports to create orders, update library systems and collate information
Act as a point of contact to provide accurate, timely information and advice to staff and library users on team processes, procedures, and content acquisition issues. Queries will be owned from initial contact to resolution. This will include recognising when queries need to be referred elsewhere.
Process invoices in compliance with Library and University financial procedures in preparation for payment and accurately record details on the library management system. Check invoices for accuracy and refer any problems to a manager. Retrieve missing invoices from supplier platforms as required.
Regularly communicate relevant information to colleagues, including senior team members and Library and Learning Resources managers, and content suppliers.
Maintain working relationships with key stakeholders, such as library colleagues, university staff and suppliers.
Provide training for new team members and other Libraries and Learning Resources staff.
Review processes and tasks and proactively offer suggestions for improvement, sharing best practice as appropriate.
Actively participate in wider Libraries and Learning Resources and University activities and projects as required.
Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade which may be reasonably required.
Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.