After-Hours Librarian- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: After-Hours Librarian (Post Level 9)
- Job ID: 6506
- Reference Number: 2198
- Employer: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies – Library and Information Services
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Work Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 10 July 2026
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
- Salary: Available on request
- Application Method: Online applications only through the official UFS recruitment portal.
Job Purpose
Provide professional library and information services during after-hours operations to ensure continuous support for students, researchers, and staff. Supervise frontline library services during evening and weekend shifts. Deliver information literacy training, reference services, and user support. Manage library collections and promote the effective use of information resources. Contribute to student academic success by providing access to quality library services outside normal working hours.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise library staff and perform human resource responsibilities, including monitoring staff performance and daily operations.
- Conduct orientation sessions for new staff members and students.
- Deliver basic information literacy training to students.
- Explain the different types of information resources, including reference materials, periodicals, electronic resources, and their role in academic research.
- Teach effective search strategies using library catalogues (such as KovsieCat) and academic search tools.
- Assist users in locating, evaluating, and accessing information from the internet and academic databases.
- Educate students on the ethical and legal use of information, including copyright compliance and plagiarism prevention.
- Develop information literacy content and facilitate training for first-year students.
- Manage frontline library service points, including Circulation Services and the Journals and Research Unit.
- Provide professional reference and information services by conducting literature searches, responding to enquiries, and supporting library users.
- Promote library services, collections, and resources to support teaching, learning, and research.
- Manage short-loan and reserve collections to ensure equitable access.
- Select and maintain balanced information resources that support teaching and learning while avoiding unnecessary duplication.
- Evaluate library collections to ensure they remain current, relevant, and responsive to user needs.
- Work evening shifts during weekdays (14:00–22:00) and provide library services on weekends as required.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in Library and Information Studies;
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, B.Tech Degree, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (NQF Level 8).
- Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience within Library and Information Services.
Recommended Qualifications
- Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) in Library and Information Science.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an academic library.
- Experience within the higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
- Membership or registration with a professional body such as the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) (proof required).
Required Competencies
Results-Oriented
- Ability to set high standards and achieve objectives.
- Reliable, responsible, dependable, and committed to fulfilling work obligations.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Business Acumen
- Ability to comply with policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership
- Ability to maintain high levels of motivation, energy, and enthusiasm.
- Ability to lead teams, provide guidance, and make informed decisions.
Building Coalitions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues and library users.
- Comfortable working with diverse groups of people.
Employment Benefits
- Pension scheme.
- Medical aid scheme.
- Group life insurance.
- Housing allowance.
- Annual leave.
- Sick leave.
- Service bonus.
- Study benefits (subject to University conditions).
Required Application Documents
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA evaluation (for foreign qualifications).
- South African ID or passport (for foreign nationals).
- Proof of current or previous employment (appointment letter, employment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip) for external applicants.
Important Information
- Applications must be submitted online only through the official UFS recruitment system.
- The online application system allows a maximum of eight attachments.
- Applicants are encouraged to merge documents where possible to avoid upload issues.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Only applicants who meet the inherent requirements will be considered.
- The successful candidate must be available to work weekday evening shifts (14:00–22:00) and weekends.
- Preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities, in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plan.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If no communication is received within six weeks after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
- The University reserves the right not to fill the position.
Enquiries
- Telephone: 051 401 9813
- Email: PhokaR@ufs.ac.za
- Technical/Application Assistance: 051 401 2558 / 2876