Research Librarian

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including: 

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year). 
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. 
• Access to training and development. 
• Flexible working. 
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan. 

Introduction 

The Research Information Service (RIS) is part of the Library Services directorate within the House of Commons Library. It provides a range of information services to support the Library’s eight research teams and POST. This includes the selection of information resources, provision of current awareness reports, training and support on the discovery and use of information tools and resources, reference enquiries, literature searching and bibliographic assistance for the production of briefings and publications.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as Research Support Librarian. This is a vital role working with researchers to ensure that they have access to the information needed to support a thriving Parliamentary democracy.

The Role 

The post holder will be an advocate for the information needs of the Research Team they support, keeping up to date with the latest developments in the information sector and ensuring the highest standard of service is provided. They will develop expert knowledge of the information resources required by the team or teams they support and provide training and 1:1 assistance to research colleagues as well as contributing to the wider training offered by Research and Information. The post holder will build and maintain connections with the wider information professional community to maintain awareness of best practice and the latest developments and trends in the sector. The post will involve enquiry and analysis work that will require the use of in-house databases and information management tools. Full training in the use of these will be provided.

Please note: A professional qualification in library and information management is not an initial requirement for the post and we are keen to hear from applicants with appropriate experience who feel they would be a good fit for the role.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Provide training and 1:1 support to subject specialists in the use of information resources and tools so that Researchers and Team Heads are aware and can make effective use of the range of resources and services available to them.
• Liaise with Research teams and undertake active outreach in order to understand and advocate for the needs of the teams to colleagues across the library.
• Provide background research and reference support for Subject Specialists on enquiries and briefing papers over a wide range of subjects.
• Take ownership of, and update, some regular briefings, current awareness bulletins and briefing papers covering a wide range of subjects.

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• An aptitude for enquiry work using a range of information resources and tools, including the ability to find, evaluate and explain information verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with colleagues to deliver projects or services, and can handle difficult situations confidently and persuasively.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to translate agreed aims into practical objectives.
• Ability to liaise with others using your excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating a proven ability to communicate complex issues to non-specialists different audiences using a variety of methods.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-4 in the Job Description. 

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

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