Research Support Librarian

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University is proud to be a leading, modern university which offers an inclusive, innovative environment, where everyone contributes to delivering impactful education and research.

Library Services provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to enhance learning, teaching and research. We are an active partner in the delivery of the university's strategy and Roadmap to 2030, championing inclusive and sustainable approaches to all areas of our work, contributing to a welcoming campus environment, driving research and the development of a strong research culture, and we are central to the provision of an excellent student experience.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant post of Research Support Librarian, which is a key role in our Research Support Team. You will be expected to develop and maintain an expert knowledge of key aspects of research dissemination, including research data sharing, copyright and best practices for documenting a wide range of research output types. You will also be expected to contribute to service improvement and policy development in alignment with RGU's research strategy. Strong IT and digital file management skills are essential, alongside experience of working with information systems.

The Research Support team plays a key role in realising RGU's ambitions for a vibrant, collaborative, open and inclusive research environment that delivers high quality, impactful outputs and public value. The team provides expert advice to the RGU research community around open access and scholarly publishing, facilitating compliance with REF and funder policies and promoting the transition to an open research environment. In addition to managing OpenAIR@RGU, which showcases RGU research to the world, the team provides a hosting platform for the publication of open access journals and contributes to researcher development through a portfolio of workshops and guidance. The Library works closely with the University's Research, Innovation & Enterprise team to plan and deliver on RGU's ambitious research strategy.

Informal enquiries are welcome to George Bray at g.r.bray@rgu.ac.uk

This role is suitable for hybrid working in line with the University's policy and guidance. Due to Library operational requirements, work from home will usually be limited to one day per week. In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Library Research Support Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Library Research Support Officer

PURPOSE OF POST: To lead on management of the University's institutional repository, OpenAIR@RGU, ensuring that research outputs are deposited compliantly with internal and external requirements, and that they are as discoverable and accessible as possible. To assist in the effective delivery of the Library's research support services, providing guidance, training and support to RGU researchers on Open Access, repository services and scholarly communications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Research Support
- Maintain and develop the database of research outputs (including research data) on the University's research information system (Worktribe), and the public representations of these outputs on the repository (OpenAIR), ensuring that appropriate metadata and digital preservation standards are adhered to.
- Work with the Library's Digital Systems team and external service providers to ensure that metadata and files from the repository are harvested by other sites and systems (e.g. through OAI-PMH).
- Work with colleagues internally and externally to ensure that the output deposit workflow for the research information system and repository is as user-friendly as possible.
- Work with colleagues in the Library and Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) to test and implement system changes relevant to the Library's research support services.
- Work with Library Research Support colleagues to produce research outputs-based reports as part of RGU's preparations for REF and for other purposes as required.
- Maintain expert knowledge of RGU, funder and other external policies (e.g. REF) around Open Access (OA) to effectively support researchers in ensuring that metadata and files for research outputs are deposited compliantly in the research information system and repository.
- Maintain specialist knowledge of copyright, RGU's Intellectual Property and Commercialisation policy, publisher websites and related tools (e.g. Jisc Open Policy Finder) to effectively support researchers in ensuring compliance with copyright and licensing requirements as it pertains to their research outputs.
- Assist the Library Research Support Manager in providing expert advice on Open Access (OA) publishing and allocating institutional funds for OA, including authorising usage of the Library's "Read and Publish" agreements.
- Work with colleagues in the Library, RIE and the Graduate School to develop and deliver a portfolio of high-quality research skills training and support for academic staff and postgraduate research students.
- Work with colleagues in the Library and RIE to develop and review policies and procedures associated with the repository service and Open Research, leading on workflow development for repository-related processes.

Service Delivery
- Work with Library colleagues to monitor and respond to research support-related enquiries.
- Work with Library colleagues to ensure the completion of work targets and team objectives.
- Prioritise own workload, delegating tasks to other Library colleagues as appropriate.
- Line-manage the Library Research Support Officer, managing and prioritising workload to ensure service objectives are met, carrying out training as required and conducting annual performance reviews.
- Deputise as required for the Library Research Support Manager.

Communication
- Participate in Library and team meetings and activities, including contributing to or leading cross-team projects when appropriate.
- Advocate for the Library's research support services within the University and represent RGU externally.
- Actively seek opportunities to grow relationships with researchers and other key stakeholders in the RGU research community, and gather information about stakeholder needs to help guide future service development.

General
- Keep up to date with continuing professional and technical developments in relevant areas and use these to inform service development.
- Maintain an understanding of appropriate policies and regulations.
- Undertake the role in line with the university's core values.

This job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties as reasonably required by the university. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Knowledge
- Knowledge of the current UK research environment, including the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Open Research, scholarly communications and the role of Library services.
- Knowledge of core concepts in library and resource description metadata practice (e.g. WEMI, data elements, record structures, common data entry concepts).
- Familiarity with the operation and purposes of the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH).
- Familiarity with the fundamental principles of copyright, licensing, research data management and research impact.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities, the ability to adopt a collaborative approach to problem-solving, and to work flexibly as part of a team.
- Excellent written and spoken communication, and ability to engage with and work confidently and persuasively with a diverse community of researchers, students, academics and professional services staff.
- Effective IT skills using Office 365 and databases.

Experience
- Experience of creating and maintaining records on a research information system and/or institutional repository.
- Experience of providing user support (e.g. handling queries and/or creating online guidance) with a strong focus on customer service.
- Experience of delivering inclusive and engaging training.
- Experience of working on tasks requiring keen attention to detail and accuracy.
- Experience of managing projects, priorities and balancing workloads.
- Experience of working both independently and as part of a team.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
- Relevant postgraduate or professional qualification or equivalent experience in a research support role.

Knowledge
- Familiarity with Dublin Core, Rioxx and other OAI-PMH metadata standards.
- Familiarity with core concepts of database design and operation (e.g. functional vs relational).

Experience
- Experience of using Worktribe.
- Experience of using a library management system / library services platform.
- Experience of using international standards for library resource description (e.g. MARC21, AACR2, RDA, ISBD, LCSH, DDC)
- Experience of creating details workflow or procedural documentation.
- Experience of working in an academic or research library.
- Experience of line managing or supervising a colleague.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 2: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards 

Behaviour 3: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others

Behaviour 4: Initiative and Problem Solving - Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions.