Vacancies 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

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Position Summary

• The Systems Librarian is central to the management and development of the library’s digital infrastructure and integrated library systems. This person provides leadership and support in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the library’s systems and technologies. Working closely with library staff, IT personnel, and faculty, the Systems Librarian ensures seamless access to digital resources, optimizes system performance, and supports innovation in library services.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain the library’s management system (Koha) and discovery platform (EBSCO Discovery Service).
• Manage authentication systems (OpenAthens) to ensure secure and consistent off-campus access to electronic resources.
• Collaborate with university ICT department to manage server environments, hardware and software upgrades, and system integrations particularly as they pertain to the Library.
• Build and maintain the Library’s digital repository.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to library systems and electronic resources.
• Lead projects related to systems migration, platform evaluation, or technology adoption.
• Analyse and optimize workflows through automation and system enhancements.
• Provide training and documentation for library staff on system functionalities and updates.
• Participate in library-wide planning and contribute to the development of digital initiatives and strategic goals.
• Maintain and repair the Library’s computers and its information resource centre.
• Recommend and implement new and innovative technologies.
• Implement and manage virtual reference services.
• Train and sensitise Library users on access to the Library’s electronic resources.
• Upgrade, customise and regularly update the Library’s website.
• Occasionally working at the circulation desk where necessary.
• Shelving and shelf-reading of books.
• Provide reference services to users.
• Maintain and generate reports related to circulation and usage statistics for electronic resources.
• Reprographic services like scanning, photocopying, printing and digitising of materials.
• Annual stocktaking.
• Other job-related duties as assigned by the Chief Librarian or HUC management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Service, Information Sciences or their equivalent from a recognised institution with an inclination to ICT.
• Minimum of two years working experience in a similar role in an academic or research library setting.
• Experience working with cloud-based integrated library systems especially Koha and discovery tools especially EBSCO Discovery.
• Strong understanding of library metadata standards and protocols like MARC, Dublin Core, Z39.50, OAI-PMH.
• Familiarity with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), scripting languages like Python, PHP, database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL and APIs.
• Knowledge of authentication and access management systems especially OpenAthens.
• Familiarity with digital preservation, digital repositories, or data management platforms like DSpace and Open Journal Service.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects and troubleshoot hardware and software issues

Key Competencies and Skills

• Networking skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• ICT proficiency
• Teamworking skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and with tight deadlines