Librarian: After Hours Services

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading University of Technology in South Africa, offering excellent, high-quality and market-relevant academic programmes across six faculties. DUT is a vibrant, multi-campus institution located in the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal. Established in April 2002 through the merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, the University traces its heritage back to 1907. DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and engagement. Guided by its Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shape adaptive graduates who transform society,”  and its ENVISION2030 strategy, the University remains committed to improving lives and livelihoods through knowledge creation and societal impact. The University operates across seven campuses and comprises six faculties:

• Accounting and Informatics • Applied Sciences • Arts and Design • Engineering and the Built Environment • Health Sciences • Management Sciences DUT’s home to a vibrant and expanding research ecosystem that includes a Business School, 18 Research Institutes, and several renowned research centres, including the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT). The University also hosts 11 South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chairs, further strengthening its research leadership and innovation ecosystem. The University is committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation, offering outstanding opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students across a wide range of disciplines. DUT boasts a pool of highly qualified and experienced academics and professionals who contribute significantly to regional, national, and international development through leadership, scholarship, and research. Its sustained research growth is reflected in the increasing number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers and its receipt of the NRF Focused Research Advancement Award for three consecutive years (2024, 2025 and 2026), a testament to the University’s growing research excellence and impact. As a proud member of the International Association of Universities (IAU), DUT continues to strengthen its global presence and reputation. In the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the University advanced into the 401-600 global band and was ranked 60th globally for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty. The University also improved its global standing for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, moving from the 401-600 band in 2025 to the 301-400 band in 2026, reflecting DUT's ongoing commitment to sustainable water management, research, innovation, and community impact. DUT is further ranked among the top 6% of higher education institutions worldwide in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, reflecting its growing academic reputation, research influence, digital visibility, and international standing. DUT: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Teaching & Learning: Library Services POST:  Librarian: After-Hours Services (X4) Reference Number: 20002249 / 20002251 / 20002252 / 20002253

Overall purpose of this role: To coordinate and oversee the delivery of Library Services outside normal operating hours, including circulation and access services, first-line user support, functional supervision of employees and Student Library Assistants on duty, operational incident management, and the maintenance of a safe, secure and orderly library environment. The position serves as the designated senior Library representative during the assigned shift and escalates security, facilities, emergency, information technology and specialist service matters to the responsible University functions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Library and Information Science at NQF Level 7, or an equivalent relevant qualification
• A minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience in an academic library, including at least two years’ experience in circulation, access or client services and demonstrated experience coordinating employees or Student Library Assistants.

Key responsibilities: After Hours Library Operations and Shift Coordination

• Serve as the designated senior Library representative during the assigned after-hours shift and coordinate service delivery in accordance with approved operating procedures and delegations.
• Complete opening, shift-handover and closing requirements; verify service-point, equipment, facility and staffing readiness; and maintain an accurate shift handover record.
• Coordinate daily work allocation and service-point coverage and respond to immediate operational priorities within the authority of the position.
• Apply business-continuity arrangements during system, power, facility or service disruptions and escalate unresolved matters to the responsible function.
• Provide the Campus Librarian with timely information on incidents, staffing gaps, service constraints and matters requiring follow-up.

Circulation Access and Client Services

• Deliver and oversee circulation, membership, access, enquiry and directional services during after-hours operations.
• Provide first-line assistance with library systems, catalogues, electronic databases, self-service equipment, printing and other approved user technologies.
• Resolve routine client queries consistently and refer subject specific research, teaching and learning support needs to the appropriate Subject Librarian or specialist service.
• Apply approved access, borrowing and user-conduct rules fairly and maintain an inclusive, professional and service oriented environment.
• Identify recurring service issues and recommend practical improvements to the Campus Librarian.

Functional Supervision of Employees and Student Library Assistants

• Coordinate approved duty rosters and allocate after-hours activities to employees and Student Library Assistants assigned to the shift.
• Confirm attendance, punctuality, work allocation, service coverage and adherence to approved procedures.
• Provide on-shift guidance, coaching and immediate corrective direction to support consistent service delivery.
• Record and report attendance, performance, conduct or capability concerns to the responsible line manager for formal action.
• Does not exercise formal disciplinary, appointment or performance-rating authority unless specifically delegated in writing.

Safety Security and Incident Coordination

• Monitor the after-hours library environment for safety, security, access-control, user-conduct and facility risks and initiate the prescribed response.
• Liaise with Protection Services, Facilities Management, emergency services and other responsible functions in accordance with approved protocols.
• Coordinate the Library response during evacuations, medical incidents, disruptive behaviour, suspected theft, building faults or other emergencies until the responsible authority assumes control.
• Protect users, employees, library collections, equipment and information by applying approved controls without assuming the professional mandate of Security, Facilities or emergency services.
• Complete accurate incident reports, preserve relevant information and escalate serious or recurring risks promptly.

Library Systems Statistics and Shift Reporting

• Operate approved library systems and monitor the availability of circulation, access-control, self-service and related technologies during the shift.
• Capture and validate after-hours usage, circulation, enquiry, staffing, incident and service-interruption information.
• Prepare concise daily, weekly or monthly operational reports in the prescribed format for the Campus Librarian and Manager: Sites and Client Services.
• Protect personal and institutional information and maintain accurate, retrievable operational records.

Facilities Resource