Faculty Librarian: The Humanities – University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Faculty Librarian: The Humanities (Post Level 8)
- Job ID: 6505
- Reference Number: 2197
- 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 specialized library and information services to support teaching, learning, and research within the Faculty of The Humanities. Deliver information literacy instruction and advanced research support to students, researchers, and academic staff. Serve as the primary liaison between the Library and the Faculty of The Humanities. Develop and manage library collections that support teaching, learning, and research priorities. Promote academic excellence, scholarly communication, and student success through innovative library services.
Key Responsibilities
- Support teaching, learning, and research in the Faculty of The Humanities by providing specialized library services.
- Deliver information literacy instruction tailored to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Provide advanced research support, including systematic literature searching and database navigation.
- Conduct faculty liaison activities to align library services with academic programmes and departmental needs.
- Collaborate with academic staff to integrate information literacy and library resources into the curriculum.
- Facilitate workshops and training sessions on referencing, academic writing, and research skills.
- Support postgraduate students and researchers through research consultations and scholarly communication services.
- Develop and maintain subject-specific research guides and online learning resources.
- Select, evaluate, and develop balanced print and electronic collections aligned with teaching and research priorities.
- Monitor collection usage to ensure relevance, currency, and academic value.
- Promote access to digital scholarship tools, electronic databases, and Open Access resources.
- Advise academic staff on information resource acquisition and collection development.
- Collaborate with faculty members to support research output and academic excellence.
- Enhance student success by strengthening academic literacy and independent learning skills.
- Contribute to the strategic goals of the Library and the University through proactive academic engagement.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, or B.Tech (NQF Level 7) in:
- Library and Information Science
- Information Science
- Library Studies
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in an academic library environment.
- Current membership of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) (proof required).
Recommended Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8 or higher) in:
- Library and Information Science
- Information Science
- Library Studies
- Experience working within a higher education institution.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
Required Competencies
Results-Oriented
- Ability to set high standards and achieve challenging goals.
- Adaptability to changing work environments.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
Business Acumen
- Ability to comply with policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership
- Ability to lead, provide direction, and motivate others.
- Promote teamwork and cooperation.
Building Coalitions
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and make decisions through consultation.
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.
- Proof of current LIASA membership.
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.
- 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