About the job

Job summary

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Introduction 

The Research Information Service (RIS) is part of the Library Services directorate within the House of Commons Library. It provides a range of information services to support the Library’s eight research teams and POST. This includes the selection of information resources, provision of current awareness reports, training and support on the discovery and use of information tools and resources, reference enquiries, literature searching and bibliographic assistance for the production of briefings and publications.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as Research Support Librarian. This is a vital role working with researchers to ensure that they have access to the information needed to support a thriving Parliamentary democracy.

Job description

The post holder will be an advocate for the information needs of the Research Team they support, keeping up to date with the latest developments in the information sector and ensuring the highest standard of service is provided. They will develop expert knowledge of the information resources required by the team or teams they support and provide training and 1:1 assistance to research colleagues as well as contributing to the wider training offered by Research and Information. The post holder will build and maintain connections with the wider information professional community to maintain awareness of best practice and the latest developments and trends in the sector. The post will involve enquiry and analysis work that will require the use of in-house databases and information management tools. Full training in the use of these will be provided.

Please note: A professional qualification in library and information management is not an initial requirement for the post and we are keen to hear from applicants with appropriate experience who feel they would be a good fit for the role.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Provide training and 1:1 support to subject specialists in the use of information resources and tools so that Researchers and Team Heads are aware and can make effective use of the range of resources and services available to them.
• Liaise with Research teams and undertake active outreach in order to understand and advocate for the needs of the teams to colleagues across the library.
• Provide background research and reference support for Subject Specialists on enquiries and briefing papers over a wide range of subjects.
• Take ownership of, and update, some regular briefings, current awareness bulletins and briefing papers covering a wide range of subjects.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• An aptitude for enquiry work using a range of information resources and tools, including the ability to find, evaluate and explain information verbally and in writing.
• Ability stablish effective relationships with colleagues to deliver projects or services, and of handle difficult situations confidently and persuasively.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to translate agreed aims into practical objectives.
• Ability to liaise with others using your excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating a proven ability to communicate complex issues to non-specialists different audiences using a variety of methods.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,980, House of Commons contributes £9,444 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-4 in the Job Description. 

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.