Library Assistant

The Library Assistant will support the day-to-day operations of the University Library and assist the University Librarian in providing efficient, accessible, and user-focused library services to students, faculty, and staff. The position will have particular responsibility for circulation services, library system operations, user assistance, collection management, cataloguing, shelving, student support, and maintaining effective library services during evening and weekend operating hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day circulation activities, including issuing, returning, renewing, and reserving library materials.
• Assist students, faculty, and staff in locating and accessing print and electronic library resources.
• Support the routine operation of the KOHA Library Management System, including circulation, patron records, catalogue searching, reports, and other authorized functions.
• Perform cataloguing, classification, indexing, and processing of library materials in accordance with established library standards and procedures.
• Create and maintain accurate bibliographic records, catalogue entries, subject headings, keywords, and other metadata for library resources.
• Assist with the processing, labelling, barcoding, stamping, and physical preparation of books and other library materials.
• Shelve and arrange library materials according to the appropriate classification system and ensure proper shelf organization.
• Support the University Librarian with collection management, inventory, stock verification, and identification of missing, damaged, or misplaced materials.
• Assist users with the library catalogue, electronic databases, e-books, online journals, and other digital resources.
• Provide basic reference and information assistance and refer advanced research queries to the University Librarian when required.
• Support library orientations, database awareness sessions, student activities, workshops, and other library events.
• Monitor library facilities, study areas, and user activities during assigned shifts and ensure compliance with library policies.
• Maintain accurate library records, statistics, reports, circulation data, and other documentation.
• Assist with textbook-related library operations and other academic support activities as assigned.
• Coordinate with relevant University departments to ensure smooth library operations.
• Support library opening and closing procedures and ensure continuity of library services during assigned shifts.
• Conduct routine checks of the collection and catalogue to identify duplicate, missing, incorrectly catalogued, or misplaced materials and report discrepancies.
• Provide professional and courteous assistance to library users and respond to routine enquiries.
• Perform other library-related duties as assigned by the University Librarian.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (LIS), Library Science, Information Science is mandatory.
• Minimum 4–6 years of relevant professional experience in a library environment, preferably within a university or higher education institution.
• Previous experience with KOHA Library Management System is mandatory/preferred, with practical knowledge of circulation and catalogue functions.
• Strong knowledge of library operations, including circulation, cataloguing, classification, shelving, collection management, and user services.
• Good knowledge of electronic databases, e-books, online catalogues, and digital library resources.
• Fluency in Arabic is mandatory – the candidate must be able to read, write, and speak Arabic.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively support students, faculty, and staff.
• Willingness and ability to work evening and weekend shifts as required.