The South African Sugarcane Research Institute has been transitioning to a more on-line, digital based library system for the past few years. However, as we set up systems for increased online access, we need to maintain a core level of functionality in the existing library.
SASRI has contract work experience opportunity to engage in some administrative and organising activities to manage the existing document-based systems and assist in moving some collections to the online system.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Decommissioning of library archives:
- Conduct a review of holdings in the archive and in the library to identify material unique to our collection versus what is easily available through external libraries or online databases
- Carefully oversee the discarding of non-essential materials from both the archives and the library in a manner that ensures that no valuable material is lost
- Transfer essential materials from archives to library, allowing reallocation of archive space to other SASRI operations
Stocktaking and correct placement:
- Perform a comprehensive stocktake to confirm our catalogue's accuracy
- Arrange all books correctly according to the Dewey Decimal System, to allow easy access
Support Research Staff:
- Offer guidance to staff on use of existing online databases to conduct literature searchers and acquire articles and papers
- Coordinate access to articles and papers through other libraries where these are not available on the SASRI's online platforms
General Administration and Upkeep:
- Receive and process all new books by classifying, enteringdatabases, and locating them on shelf or dispatching them to requesting department
- Maintain a loan system for issuing library loans and receiving returns
- Maintain the general appearance and organisation of the library
- Support the upkeep and distribution of SASRI publications housed in library stockroom
Support development of new library system:
- Participate in the development of any new online library systems
PLEASE NOTE:
- In order to be effective in this role, SASRI seeks an individual with an interest or experience in library systems. A Library Science qualification will be an advantage. Having a strong attention to detail and excellent organising skills will be a critical part of performing the full range of tasks in this contract
- The work does involve some light lifting and carrying of library material so applicants should take their physical abilities into account when applying
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