Assistant Librarian at Hekima University College

Position Summary

• The Assistant Librarian will provide leadership in managing the circulation desk and relatedaccess services, while also supporting students and faculty through reference services, information dissemination, library instruction, and research consultations. This role serves as a key member of the public services team and contributes to the development of responsive and inclusive library services.

Key Responsibilities

Circulation and Access Services

• Work at the circulation desk, including check-in/check-out, renewals, course reserves, and patron account services.
• Classification and cataloguing of books and journal articles.

Shelving and shelf-reading of books to ensure their proper arrangement.

• Reference and Instruction Services
• Provide in-person and virtual reference services to users.
• Develop and deliver library instruction sessions, orientations, and workshops.
• Collaborate with faculty to support information literacy across the curriculum.

Additional Duties

• Assessment user needs and improve user services.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in academic librarianship and contribute to service innovation.
• Liaise with relevant departments for developing the collections of various subject areas.
• Liaise with Associations of Librarians, Kenya Library and Information Services
• Consortium (KLISC) and other libraries within and outside Kenya on matters pertaining to the Library.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget of the Library.
• Assist in developing and implementing of the Library’s policy and strategic plan.Receive and respond to enquiries, communicating clearly to Library users in a variety of mediums (in person, email, phone).
• Prepare periodic reports on the state of the Library and provide advisory services to the Chief Librarian.
• Recommend, plan and implement new and innovative projects, service models and
• practices to improve services for Library users.
• Weeding of the collection and identifying damaged books for repair or replacement.
• Address issues like inappropriate user conduct and noise levels at the reading area.
• Barcoding of books.
• Annual stocktaking.
• Serve on library and university committees as appropriate.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Librarian.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or its equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Minimum of two years relevant working experience in circulation, reference, or public services in an academic library or research institution.
• Experience with information literacy instruction or instructional design.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), especially Koha, library databases, and discovery tools, especially EBSCO Discovery Service.
• Familiarity with Springshare products (e.g., LibGuides, LibAnswers), library usage analytics, or course-integrated library support.
• Strong commitment to user-centered service and continuous learning.
• Knowledge of current issues and best practices in academic librarianship.
• Supervisory experience, especially with student workers or library assistants, is an added advantage.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Financial management skills
• Networking skills
• Interpersonal and user service skills
• Communication (written and oral) and presentation skills
• Strategic leadership skills
• Teamworking skills
• Proficiency in computer usage