Coordinator Of The Public Libraries Of Beirut

Terms of reference

COORDINATOR OF THE LIBRARIES

(Full-Time)

In order to contribute to the promotion of reading and the development of public spaces for all, the library coordinator will be entrusted with the following tasks: to implement the association's missions and objectives in the public libraries of Beirut and the mobile library or “Kotobus”, to ensure the management of the libraries, develop libraries’ services and organize the activities in the libraries for different audiences. He / she will carry out these tasks under the responsibility of the Executive Coordinator of the association.

Internal interfaces

- Executive Coordinator

- Librarians

- Animators of the kotobus

- Office team

External Interfaces

- Booksellers, publishers, authors

- Schools (directors, teachers and educational team)

- Universities

- Cultural institutes in Lebanon (Foreign and Local)

- Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Affairs

- Public libraries in Lebanon

- Civil Society Associations (CSA)

MISSION 1: Implementation of the association's Mission and objectives in assabil’ Libraries (Public libraries of Beirut and Kotobus)

Activity 1: Defines the libraries’ services policy, in accordance with ASSABIL’s mission and objectives

Activity 2: Defines the annual action plan and develops the medium term action plans for the libraries in coordination with the EC and in accordance with the financial resources available. These action plans are to be approved by the Administrative committee. 

Activity 3: Conducts libraries assessments: defines indicators to evaluate the libraries’ services and activities; prepares templates for libraries’ reports; analyzes the statistical reports and evaluates the services; makes the necessary recommendations for the development of the libraries and their services.  

Activity 4: Participates in Assabil’s consultations on the creation of new libraries…

Activity 5: Initiates local partnerships to improve library services and programs

MISSION 2: Development and organization of the services activities of libraries for the various audiences

Activity 1: Defines the collections development policy with the support of the team of librarians, supervises the acquisition process, leads the acquisition committee and oversees procurement follow-up, in coordination with the Executive Coordinator; -manages book donations

Activity 2: Organizes the libraries’ collections with the support of libraries team; supervises the organization and processing of library resources, in order to ensure easy access and usage (cataloging, classification, storage, exhibition, announcements of new acquisitions, book weeding, etc.)

Activity 3: -Sets rules for statistical collection and analyzes statistics and librarians’ reports about library work, uses and users;  analyzes the impact of libraries’ services, assess the needs of the local community; adapts library services accordingly  and develops innovative action plans; presents synthetical reports to the AC, in coordination with the Executive Coordinator.    

Activity 4: Organizes and supervises libraries’ services: instruction of library users, reference service, book loans, reception of schools, training of users, internet access and documentary research; develops internal rules on library usage and code of conduct.

Activity 5: Supervises the activities at the libraries to ensure their smooth running; -manage activity scheduling at libraries;  evaluates their impact and ensures that they meet the needs of users; leads the cultural activities programming committee; cooperates with associations and various cultural institutions for the implementation of activities.

Activity 6: Supervises the regular service of the Kotobus, ensures the good management and renewal of the collections, the smooth functioning of the book loan, and the planning of the daily operations.

Activity 7: Defines annual plans for school receptions and programs of the visits, in coordination with school directors and librarians; Coordinates on programs with the Ministry of Education and writes annual reports on school receptions.

Activity 8: Develops volunteering programs to be implemented in ASSABIL’s libraries; coordinates with institutions and organizations to organize community services in the libraries for their students or employees or members.   

MISSION 3: DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN BEIRUT

Activity 1: Defines clear working rules and methodologies with the librarians; ensures the proper distribution of tasks within the team, supervises the work, organizes schedules and ensures compliance. Decisions on changes in responsibilities will be made with the approval of the Executive Coordinator as well as proposals for the creation of new positions, which will require the agreement of the Administrative Committee.

Activity 2: Ensures regular evaluations of the librarians and develops capacity building plans.  

Activity 3: Manages libraries’ equipment (including overseeing the maintenance of computers and electronic equipment). Defines number and technical specifications of new equipment if needed to be purchased by the Executive office.

Activity 4: Supervises the smooth functioning of the library system and the development of the database, follows up with the provider and the maintenance company for technical problems and software updates and recommends the addition of modules if necessary, ensures that his/her team is well trained on new updates of the system.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and experience: Bachelor's degree in library and information science or Equivalent degree in related fields (humanities, communication, cultural mediation) + 5 years minimum experience in library management, library management systems, cultural activities and library animation. 

• Relational skills: strong leadership, very good communication skills, ability to resolve conflicts.
• Motivation: strong motivation for ASSABIL’s mission and for cultural mediation
• Flexibility and adaptability: interest in working in a multi-cultural environment, tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.
• Initiative and creativity
• Organization and management skills
• Languages: Arabic, English and French
• Excellent computer skills