Responsibilities or duties

The African School of Governance (ASG) seeks to recruit a Library Assistant to support the Library Manager in delivering comprehensive library services across Reader Services, Technical Services, and Electronic/Digital Library Services. The role supports teaching, learning, and research by ensuring efficient access to library resources and excellent user support.

Key duties and responsibilities

• User Assistance & Reference Services: Providing guidance and support to users in locating and utilising library resources.
• Circulation Management: Overseeing lending services, including check-in/check-out of materials.
• Cataloguing & Metadata: Creating and maintaining accurate bibliographic records using standard cataloguing practices.
• Processing & Inventory: Preparing materials for circulation and managing inventory control.
• Systems & Database Management: Maintaining the Integrated Library System (ILS) and ensuring data integrity and prompt response to Database providers.
• User Conduct Monitoring: Enforcing library policies and maintaining decorum.
• Feedback & Service Improvement: Gathering user feedback and recommending service enhancements.
• Information Literacy & Outreach: Conducting orientation sessions and promoting library services.
• Reading Room Supervision: Ensuring a conducive environment for study and research.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Educational Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science or Information Management is an added advantage.
• A master's degree in Library and Information Science or Information Management is an added advantage.
• Basic knowledge of cataloguing and classification standards (e.g., Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal Classification), together with the application of information technology in librarianship, library management systems, and relevant coding (e.g., MARC metadata encoding and basic programming)

Required Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Proficiency in library management systems (KOHA, OPAC, or other integrated library software).
• Familiarity with digital resource platforms, e‑library tools, and database navigation.
• Strong organizational skills for shelving, circulation, and record‑keeping.
• Ability to assist with bibliographic searches and reference services.
• Competence in handling acquisitions, accessioning, and basic cataloguing tasks.
• Strong digital skills, including proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS), Microsoft Office/Google Suite, and online collaboration platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to coordinate multiple tasks
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse faculty and student groups.

Required Behavioural Skills

• Attention to detail: Must have a high level of accuracy and analysis.
• Time management: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Leadership skills: Cultural awareness and ability to manage and motivate a team, providing clear direction and support.
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis in a professional manner.
• Self-driven with a strong sense of initiative and flexibility.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with students, faculty, and staff.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record management.
• Strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Customer service orientation with patience and empathy.

Experience needed

• Prior experience of two year working in an academic library or related environment is desirable.
• Internship or volunteer experience in library services will be considered.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• Ensure compliance with academic integrity protocols
• Library Assistants will operate under the supervision and direction of the Library Manager.
• Flexibility and multitasking are essential; Library Assistants must be prepared to adapt to evolving needs.
• Proficiency in IT applications relevant to librarianship is required for daily operations.
• Digital information resource management
• Ethics & Professionalism
• Commitment to academic integrity and fairness.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Alignment with ASG’s mission of Leadership for the Common Good.
• An opportunity to contribute to an innovative MPA programme.
• Mentorship and close collaboration with distinguished faculty and practitioners.
• Professional growth

• User Assistance & Reference Services: Providing guidance and support to users in locating and utilising library resources.
• Circulation Management: Overseeing lending services, including check-in/check-out of materials.
• Cataloguing & Metadata: Creating and maintaining accurate bibliographic records using standard cataloguing practices.
• Processing & Inventory: Preparing materials for circulation and managing inventory control.
• Systems & Database Management: Maintaining the Integrated Library System (ILS) and ensuring data integrity and prompt response to Database providers.
• User Conduct Monitoring: Enforcing library policies and maintaining decorum.
• Feedback & Service Improvement: Gathering user feedback and recommending service enhancements.
• Information Literacy & Outreach: Conducting orientation sessions and promoting library services.
• Reading Room Supervision: Ensuring a conducive environment for study and research.

• Proficiency in library management systems (KOHA, OPAC, or other integrated library software).
• Familiarity with digital resource platforms, e‑library tools, and database navigation.
• Strong organizational skills for shelving, circulation, and record‑keeping.
• Ability to assist with bibliographic searches and reference services.
• Competence in handling acquisitions, accessioning, and basic cataloguing tasks.
• Strong digital skills, including proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS), Microsoft Office/Google Suite, and online collaboration platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to coordinate multiple tasks
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse faculty and student groups.
• Attention to detail: Must have a high level of accuracy and analysis.
• Time management: Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Leadership skills: Cultural awareness and ability to manage and motivate a team, providing clear direction and support.
• Ability to manage conflict and crisis in a professional manner.
• Self-driven with a strong sense of initiative and flexibility.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with students, faculty, and staff.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record management.
• Strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Customer service orientation with patience and empathy.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science or Information Management is an added advantage.
• A master's degree in Library and Information Science or Information Management is an added advantage.
• Basic knowledge of cataloguing and classification standards (e.g., Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal Classification), together with the application of information technology in librarianship, library management systems, and relevant coding (e.g., MARC metadata encoding and basic programming)