The Senior Executive Librarian position is a senior professional management post within Westmeath Library service which comprises Library HQ in Mullingar and a network of six Branch Libraries strategically located across the County.
In July 2023 a new five-year national public library strategy was introduced – ‘The Library is the Place – Information, Recreation, Inspiration’. The strategy continues to build on technological and service innovations of recent years and focuses on improving access, use and visibility of public libraries as an essential community service. It proposes new actions on lifelong learning, cultural heritage, digital inclusion and makes a clear contribution to sustainable development and climate action, with actions designed to help Ireland achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The library service is constantly innovating and diversifying in a dynamic and changing environment, taking advantage of technological advancement to deliver a wide and varied range of front-line services to customers. Provision of My Open Library (MOL) services are a reflection of the requirement for adaptable, flexible services which meet community needs outside of regular staffed library hours. ‘My Open Library’ services are currently operational in 4 branches in Westmeath and it is envisaged that by the end of 2026 the service will be operational in all locations. Library branches are open six days a week with a minimum of one late night.
The post of Senior Executive Librarian requires high level professional library, leadership and management skills. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and development of library services including staff supervision, resources, facilities, finances, programming and marketing and will have responsibility for managing a number of key specific service areas. The job profile is likely to evolve as the service changes and develops to meet changing community needs.
Staff may be required to provide cover at, and may be reassigned to, any service point within County Westmeath as required by the County Librarian.
The Senior Executive Librarian will work as part of a multidisciplinary Library Service team to implement work programmes that deliver the goals, targets, and standards set out in the Library Development Plan, Team Plans and the National Public Library Strategy 2023–2027, The Library is the Place. The post requires a high level of professional library and management skills and will include strategic and operational roles.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THE POSITION ARE AVAILALBLE ON THE CANDIDATE INFORMATION BOOKLET
