Job Description
Glasgow Life is looking for a Principal Librarian to join us on a 35-hour full time, permanent contract. As Principal Librarian you will be joining our in-demand library services, focusing on service delivery for young people. You will be part of a dedicated team which supports the development of The Mitchell Library’s collections, services and programmes, actively seeking increased citywide engagement in its unique provisions.
More about our Libraries and Communities teams
As a Principal Librarian you’ll be joining our Glasgow Life Libraries and Communities service. The service includes Glasgow’s 32 community libraries, the Mitchell Library, school libraries, community facilities, and services for early years, children and families, adult learning, inclusion and employability, and wellbeing, youth and community development. Libraries provide a cultural and creative place for all ages. They offer a place to read for pleasure and purpose, and collections which support literacy development. Glasgow's Libraries also have e-lending, author talks, book groups and festivals. People can access special collections as well as archives and family/local history. Libraries are also an important place where the digitally excluded can get online and access a range of resources. Community venues allow people to take part in a variety of cultural and sporting activities and offer a range of learning and support services across the city. Our libraries and community facilities play a vital role in local communities and provide a wide range of programmes and activities.
About Glasgow Life
Glasgow Life is the charity which inspires people to lead richer, more active lives through culture and sport. Simply put, we believe that everyone deserves a great Glasgow life. We do this by delivering innovative cultural and sporting programmes and events which improve the mental, physical, and economic well-being of Glasgow. Glasgow Life also creates unforgettable experiences for tourists, strengthening the city’s visitor economy. We stage world-class events, conferences and festivals which enhance Glasgow’s international reputation. Glasgow is the first city to be named European Capital of Sport twice sport and was also the first place in the UK to be named a UNESCO City of Music.
The role
As a Principal Librarian you’ll be an integral part of the team by leading the development of The Mitchell Library’s unique collections, including book material, maps, media, and e-resources, as well as its services and programmes including Business and Intellectual Propery Centre (BIPC) Glasgow and our Living Knowledge Network programming, in collaboration with the British Library. Taking responsibility for overall service, in collaboration with the operational teams that lead Mitchell service delivery, you will actively seek to improve programme development, engagement and participation in services. Reporting to Libraries and Communities Manager and working alongside an established team with responsibility for the delivery of the city’s library services.
Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme will be essential on taking up appointment. Please note successful candidates for the above position will be required to pay for their PVG Membership/or Scheme Checks.
The candidate
If you’re interested in joining us as a Principal Librarian, you’ll need:
• an undergraduate / postgraduate qualification in accredited course relating information and library services, and/or hold Chartered Membership status of Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
• experience of developing and managing library services, collections and programmes that are responsive and meet the needs of customers and target audiences
• a track record of managing projects, and financial resources, including fund-seeking activity, with a focus on effective evaluation of impact
• an understanding and track record of managing the needs of identified partners and stakeholders to meet mutual objectives
• experience of managing people effectively to meet agreed service performance goals through clear approaches to planning and delivery
You can read the full person specification for this role under the ‘Job Attachments’ section.
Our city-wide contracts mean you will be flexible to work in any of our locations.
Some of our roles are currently piloting hybrid working, with teams working between the office and home. Your line manager will agree these days with you. This balance enables you to continue much-needed collaborative working.
Our Mitchell Library office has great links to public transport and limited access to parking.
This role is working Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
We believe in the transformational power of the programmes and events we provide for the people and visitors of Glasgow. If you would like to be a part of what we do, we’d love to hear from you.
Important Dates: Closing date 5th January 2025 and interviews are provisionally scheduled for week beginning 13th January 2025.
Benefits at Glasgow Life
- 30 days holiday allowance plus 6.5 public holidays (for full-time roles). After 5 years completed service, the entitlement will increase to 35 days from the next annual leave year
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounted Glasgow Club membership and money off in our museum shops and online store
- Option to buy extra annual leave
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- And much more!
Diversity matters at Glasgow Life
We're determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We're a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Read more about our commitment to equality and diversity on our website. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/the-small-print/an-inclusive-employer
Application Packs
Alternative Application Packs can be requested in other formats for example, Large Print, Braille, Audio and other languages. To request an alternative Application Pack please phone 0141 287 1054.
Packs will be posted out to you within 3 working days of receiving your telephone request.
Please note the closing date of the job advert to ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete your application form and return it to us.
Further Information
Please note that Glasgow Life, as an ALEO to Glasgow City Council, is currently completing a Job Evaluation exercise and introducing a new pay and grading structure which may impact on current salaries quoted in job adverts, see
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/jobevaluation for more information.
For further information about working for us please refer to our website https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/work-with-us
