Chief Librarian (Manager 2) – Research
Closing Date: Tuesday, 10 Jun 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
Job Purpose
The Chief Librarian is the custodian of all library information resources for the Bank and is supposed to provide professional leadership for the Bank libraries. The office is responsible for providing high quality library services to staff in support of the Bank’s mandate and mission; and be constantly innovating to the information needs of a modern central bank.
The job holder is expected to provide the Bank with a world-class archive that should enable staff access the institutional memory, as well as maintain a strong records management program to assure the capture and preservation of the Bank’s memory. The Chief Librarian is therefore charged with overseeing the acquisition, installation, maintenance and upgrades of integrated Library Security Management Systems.
The job holder is the key liaison with other International and National Financial Institutions Libraries, as well as other relevant institutions aimed at enhancing information service delivery to Bank staff.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Responsibilities
1. Responsible for providing high quality library services to staff in support of the Bank’s mandate and mission and be constantly innovating to the information needs of users.
2. To provide a world-class archive that should enable the Bank staff access the institutional memory from any of the workstations, as well as maintain a strong records management program to assure the capture and preservation of that memory.
3. Provide professional leadership in the modernization of the Bank libraries.
4. Custodian of all library information resources Bank wide.
5. Develop and deliver innovative library products and services to accommodate the changing information needs of the Bank.
6. Provide staff with policies, guidelines and tools to effectively manage access to information resources.
7. Assure the accessibility of the Bank history through the organisation and preservation of historical documentation, including developing cutting edge digital preservation methodologies.
Technical and Operational Responsibilities
1. Provide leadership to the library staff, direct, plan, supervise and co-ordinate activities in the Section.
2. Oversee the acquisition, installation, maintenance and upgrades of integrated library security management software and library security management systems.
3. Deliver library content electronically to desktops of staff, Bank wide, and support the use of those resources with outreach, training and reference services.
4. In charge of the library inventory management.
5. Develop management information processing and dissemination strategies to enhance information access and use.
6. Manage and resolve staff queries
7. Develop, implement and update Library collection management policy, guidelines and operational manual to enhance service delivery.
8. Prepare the Library annual budgets, performance tools and log frames, Risk management and Business Continuity Plans.
9. Reference services and client relations (both external and internal customers).
10. Carry out user needs assessment.
11. Supervise the print and distribution of the Department’s publications including the Bank’s Annual Report, Quarterly Economic Reviews and Statistical Bulletins.
Other Responsibilities
1. Training on access and use of e-resources.
2. Oversee training of Library staff, ensure adherence to Library policies and effective client service.
3. Liaise with other financial sector regulators libraries as well other relevant institutions to enhance information service delivery to Bank staff.
4. Attend/participate in workshop/conferences on behalf of CBK Libraries.
5. Any other roles and responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Library and information studies.
2. Master’s Degree in Library Studies and Information Science is an added advantage.
Work Experience
At least eight (8) years working in a library set up with at least five (5) years at a job with similar professional complexity in an e-library environment.
Competencies
Technical Competencies
1. Good practical knowledge of online cataloguing and classification using Dewey Decimal Classification scheme, Anglo-American cataloguing rules and Resource Description and Access toolkit.
2. Good understanding of universally accepted standards and best practices for effective cataloguing and classification of Library resources both manual and electronic.
3. Strong communication and presentation skills.
4. Managerial skills gained in an e-library environment of a large institution.
Behavioral/ General Competencies
1. High level of interpersonal skills, including ability to build alliances and collaborate across libraries.
2. A team player, possessing excellent communication, analytical, planning and organizational skills.
3. A clear demonstration of people management skills, creative, dynamic and open minded.
4. Mature person with proven integrity, initiative and drive.
5. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
6. Leadership – Ability to motivate and influence staff to act towards achieving a common goal. Create and articulate a vision, inspiring others to work towards achieving the vision and providing developmental and stretching opportunities to staff – in line with skills, abilities, and experience.
7. Planning and organization – Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine short or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other stakeholders or part of the organization to accomplish goals.
8. Quality orientation – Ability to check work to ensure accuracy. Adopt a disciplined approach to work and drive for closure, results, and success.
9. Communication and information sharing -Ability to express information clearly and succinctly, orally and in writing, considering the audience and the nature of the information.
10. Professionalism, work ethic and integrity – Ability to convey a high level of excellence and competence on delivery of duty.
11. Collaboration and teamwork – Ability to work collaboratively within a group of people to achieve a common goal. Support team members to take decisions independently and take the lead in their area of expertise.
12. Accountability and professional development – Ability to take and accept responsibility and outcome thereof in an open and transparent manner.
13. Customer focus – Ability to demonstrate concern for the expectations of customers and prioritize them as well as convey realistic expectations to both internal and external customers.
14. Resilience – Ability to withstand operational challenges and maintain momentum.
15. Decision making – the ability to make better decisions, as defined by decision-making principles posited by models of rational choice.
16. Emotional Intelligence -manages emotions in a mature and composed manner as expected of staff.
17. Analytical –highly analytical and ability to challenge status quo based on quantitative facts and impacts.
18. Digital mind-set – Ability to recognize the importance and impact of technology on the ways of working and integrate technology in the day-to-day job to achieve efficiency, quality, and productivity in the function.
19. Creativity and innovation – Promote an environment that encourages creative thinking, and innovation within the ambits of existing rules/guidelines.
Candidates are requested to note that:
- INCOMPLETE applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
