Avondale University is seeking applications for a part-time, 32 hours per week Librarian – Systems & Research Support, to join the library team on the Lake Macquarie campus.

Be part of the transformation.

This important role is responsible for supporting the Head Librarian in overseeing critical library operations. This position also promotes open scholarship, enhancing scholarly communication and contributes to scholarly development initiatives as well as managing core systems and taking a key role in vendor relationships and enhancing user experience.

What will you do?

Some of the main duties will include:

• Lead Development and Optimisation of Library Systems: Oversee and enhance library systems across all locations, including the Library Management System, RFID, discovery platforms, citation tools, and content management systems. Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure efficient operations that support library-wide goals in learning, teaching, and research.
• Advance Research Visibility, Access, and Impact: Drive initiatives to improve the visibility and usage of Avondale’s research outputs. Manage the institutional repository, support open access publishing, and provide guidance on DOIs and scholarly communication to maximise research impact. Provide data and metrics for research reporting and assessment.
• Coordinate Researcher Skills and Tools Development: Develop and deliver workshops, training, and resources on research skills, including open scholarship, metrics, citation management, and advanced search techniques, as part of the library’s contribution to the Research Services' Research and Research Development Program.
• Strategic Leadership as Portfolio Lead: Provide high-level oversight and strategic direction for the Systems and Research Support portfolios, ensuring alignment with library objectives and fostering continuous improvement across sites. Lead initiatives to enhance library infrastructure, support staff development, and maintain service excellence. Facilitate regular portfolio discussions and contribute insights to ongoing assessment and planning.
• Academic Support as Liaison Librarian: Serve as Liaison Librarian for the School of Ministry and Theology and the School of Arts and Business, providing disciplinary guidance, attending faculty meetings, developing library resources (e.g., LibGuides), and supporting course proposals.

About you

To be successful in the Librarian role, you will be a highly motivated individual with great interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training, with eligibility or progress toward Associate membership with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
• Demonstrated experience in research repository management, scholarly publishing, and scholarly communication practices, with a focus on enhancing research visibility and supporting open access initiatives, preferably within an academic or research library context.
• Proven experience managing, administrating, and optimising library technologies and systems, including library management systems, discovery layers, and RFID-enabled technologies.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills for effective collaboration, relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders, and delivery of engaging, interactive presentations and training workshops in person and online.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to set priorities, manage time, and meet deadlines effectively.
• Proven ability to work independently using sound judgment and initiative, as well as collaboratively within a team to achieve shared goals.
• A strong commitment to customer service, with experience addressing a range of user needs professionally and sensitively, including during peak periods.
• Familiarity with, or ability to acquire knowledge of, Australian copyright legislation and licensing requirements.
• Commitment to cultural diversity and a working knowledge of equity and WHS principles in the workplace.
• Ability to support the mission, values, and ethos of Avondale University.

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to manage and maintain the DSpace repository system, including configuration, customisation, and troubleshooting for optimal functionality.
• Proven ability to collaborate with academic and research support teams and provide tailored one-on-one or group consultations for HDR candidates to meet their specific research needs.
• Experience designing, developing, and delivering training programs, workshops, and resources tailored to HDR candidates and early-career researchers.
• In-depth understanding of copyright laws, Creative Commons licensing, and intellectual property considerations, with the ability to advise researchers on rights management and compliance.
• Knowledge of tools and metrics for measuring research impact (e.g., altmetrics, citation analysis, h-index) and strategies for building academic influence, including public engagement and researcher profiles.
• Experience working within an academic library or similar environment, with a focus on supporting teaching, learning, and research.
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff, fostering skills development, and promoting positive team dynamics.
• Completion of a Master’s or PhD in any field, demonstrating advanced research expertise, critical thinking, and analytical skills that support the delivery of high-quality research support services.

Why work at Avondale?

• Values driven organisation.
• Compressed working week with half day Friday’s.
• Heavily discounted further study options.
• Discounted school fees for attendance at Adventist schools.
• Free access to Avondale Libraries.
• Café on Lake Macquarie Campus.
• Free access to onsite ovals, tennis courts, squash courts and Auditorium on Lake Macquarie campus during opening hours.

Please visit www.avondale.edu.au/employment for the full job description and details of this position. For further information about the role, please email Avondale University’s People and Culture Manager at [email protected].

Email your application to [email protected], including:

• A resume (four-page maximum)
• A statement addressing the selection criteria
• Contact details of three referees

Salary: Avondale Higher Education Worker Level 5 $37.65 – $42.13 per hour, plus superannuation.

Please note that we will be conducting interviews as applications come in, so please do not delay in submitting your application.

Applications close on 27 March 2025

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Avondale is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to make a delayed appointment, not appoint, or appoint by invitation.