DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICES
INFORMATION SPECIALIST (HUMANITIES, THEOLOGY, NAS & EBIT)
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
JOB PURPOSE:
The main purpose of this position is to provide research, teaching and learning support services and information resource management to stakeholders within the university. The position will provide innovative, dynamic and collaborative library services to the university stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
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Research support services:
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Advising clients on the research process;
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Managing research queries at intermediate level of complexity;
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Providing research advice throughout the entire research life cycle to all clients;
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Finding relevant information that is not readily available, using knowledge of one’s own collection and what is available globally;
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Advising clients on publishing routes and mechanisms of visibility;
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Advising and guiding on research impact metrics and tools;
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Teaching and Learning support services:
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Providing instruction and training in the use of information resources for a specific discipline or subject area;
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Developing and presenting curriculum-based information literacy training;
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Advising on relevant issues in the information environment that have an impact on learning, teaching and research;
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Contributing content to the University’s Learning Management System;
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Collaborating with academic staff to support Teaching and Learning;
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Developing information literacy tutorial, using appropriate technologies and keeping them updated;
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Client relations management:
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Liaising and communicating with staff in assigned departments;
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Building relations of trust with clients;
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Collaborating with staff on all levels of the organization to support the delivery of Library services;
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Information resources management:
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Identifying material to assist with collection building according to the department’s needs, and the need for a balanced, comprehensive collection;
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Evaluating, selecting and filtering sources for collection building, using knowledge of the subject and the content and format of information resources;
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Managing the information resources budget on behalf of the department(s);
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Ensuring electronic reserved collection items are identified and made accessible;
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Marketing:
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Marketing library products and services to the clients using relevant media for optimum reach;
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Participating in marketing initiatives of the library, such as orientations, exhibitions, promotional events and other outreach activities;
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Contributing to the marketing plan of the team;
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Professional development:
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Improving subject and professional knowledge and skills continuously;
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Translating and implementing Library strategies in own work environment;
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Contributing to the advancement of the LIS profession;
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Project management:
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Participating in projects, both individual and collaborative in scope, identifying ways to improve, extend, and integrate the Library’s services.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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A four-year degree in Library and Information Science (e.g., B.Bibl), or a Bachelor of Information Science Honours (B.Inf Hons); WITH
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Three years’ experience in:
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An academic library as an Information Specialist;
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Relevant major(s) or experience in the subject field;
OR
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A three-year degree, (e.g., BA, etc) with a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science/Studies (PGDip LIS); WITH
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Four years’ experience in:
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An academic library as an Information Specialist;
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Relevant major(s) or experience in the subject field.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
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Knowledge:
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Information sources in various formats;
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Building information retrieval strategies;
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The research process and methodology;
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Information organisation methods/packages/tools;
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Relevant information technology (software and hardware);
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Marketing methods/procedures;
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Benchmarking methods;
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Administration systems, policies and processes;
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Legal requirements with regard to information distribution and information media;
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Training and evaluation methods;
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Work processes – library environment and industry;
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Technical:
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Skilled in:
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Research interviewing;
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Searching;
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Information analysing, evaluating and organising;
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Information management;
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Knowledge management;
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Collection management;
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Marketing;
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Training;
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Information Resource Management;
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Behavioural competencies:
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Interpersonal skills;
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Negotiating skills;
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Emotional intelligence;
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Communication skills across cultural borders;
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Conflict management skills;
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Organisational skills;
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Presentation skills;
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Self-control and personal drive;
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Creativity and innovation;
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Adaptability;
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Responsible;
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Client focused.
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za
In applying for this post, please attach:
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A comprehensive CV;
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Certified copies of qualifications;
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Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.
CLOSING DATE: 26 June 2026
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES: Mrs. Lebo Jele, Tel: (012) 420-2221 for application-related enquiries. Mrs Viveka Pillai: [email protected], Tel: (012) 420 5392 for Humanities and Theology application-related inquiries, or Mrs. Suzy Nyakale: [email protected], Tel: (012) 420 3877 for Natural & Agricultural Science application-related inquiries.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 August 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
