Are you looking to make a difference in your community and pursue a career in the library and heritage sector? eThekwini Municipality, located in the vibrant city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is offering a fantastic Library Assistant (Outreach) vacancy that could be your next big career move. This article provides comprehensive details on the role, job requirements, responsibilities, and how to apply. If you have a passion for serving the public and are ready to contribute to a dynamic team, this position may be perfect for you.
Library Assistant Job Overview
- Job Title: Library Assistant (Outreach)
- Job Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 2025/03/20
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department: Libraries and Heritage
- Reference Number: ETH250221-1
- Job Number: 44017312
Overview of the Library Assistant (Outreach) Role
The Library Assistant (Outreach) position at eThekwini Municipality offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of essential public services in the field of libraries and heritage. As a Library Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting the efficient and effective operation of library services by performing a range of technical and administrative duties. These responsibilities will help ensure that library users experience high-quality service while also promoting community engagement through outreach programs.
Key Responsibilities
The core responsibilities of the Library Assistant (Outreach) are diverse and rewarding. Some of the main duties include:
- Public Interaction and Front-Line Service
- You will serve library patrons by handling the issuing, returning, and renewing of library materials.
- Provide additional services such as photocopying, faxing, printing, Internet access, and addressing any customer queries.
- Act as the first point of contact for library users, ensuring they receive timely and helpful assistance.
- Library Maintenance and Stock Management
- Shelve library materials and conduct regular shelf reading to ensure that all items are properly organized and easy to find.
- Participate in stock-taking procedures to maintain accurate records of library materials.
- Perform minor repairs on library materials as needed and report faults with software or equipment to your supervisor.
- Community Outreach
- Actively participate in library outreach activities, promoting library services to various communities and ensuring that library programs reach a broad audience.
- You will be involved in driving allocated vehicles for outreach activities, ensuring materials are properly loaded and secure during transportation.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Safety
- Maintain the allocated vehicle in a clean, roadworthy, and functional condition.
- Ensure vehicle safety at all times during the course of outreach activities, reporting any damage to equipment or infrastructure caused during work.
- Clerical and Administrative Support
- Perform a range of clerical tasks, such as minute-taking, typing, submitting requisitions for stationery and cleaning materials, and maintaining inventory for furniture.
- You will also complete and file vehicle trip sheets for record-keeping purposes.
- Cash Management
- Handle cash, manage float, issue receipts, and reconcile cash balances at the end of each shift.
- Training and Staff Support
- You will be involved in training field work students, volunteers, and other staff members on standard routines and procedures.
- Provide relief for your supervisors and colleagues in their absence to ensure smooth library operations.
- Team Collaboration and Departmental Activities
- Engage in team-oriented activities within the library and heritage department, contributing to a collaborative working environment.
Competencies Required
To succeed in this role, you will need a range of competencies that will enable you to perform the job efficiently. These include:
- People Management: Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and provide guidance to junior staff and volunteers.
- Organisational Awareness: Understanding of library systems and operational procedures.
- Professional Technical Proficiency: A solid grasp of library services and technologies.
- Customer Focus: A keen ability to provide excellent service and address client needs.
- Team Orientation: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, supporting colleagues in achieving common goals.
- Accountability and Ethical Conduct: Demonstrate integrity and responsibility in all tasks.
- Impact and Influence: Strong advocacy skills to promote library services and enhance public engagement.
Essential Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for the Library Assistant (Outreach) position, you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or an equivalent qualification.
- Valid Driver’s License (Code EC).
- Valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a similar role.
- Computer Literacy: Familiarity with basic computer applications and software.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are desirable and will strengthen your application:
- Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) with a Certificate in Library and Information Services.
- 3 years of relevant experience in a library or related environment.
Additional Benefits and Remuneration
Working as a Library Assistant (Outreach) at eThekwini Municipality comes with a host of benefits and a competitive salary package. The details are as follows:
- Salary Range: R221,348.60 – R287,333.14 per annum.
- 13th Cheque: Yes.
- Housing Subsidy: Yes.
- Leave: Yes.
- Medical Aid: Yes.
- Pension Fund: Yes.
- Other Allowances: N/A.
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How to Apply
If you meet the requirements and are interested in this exciting opportunity, you can apply online through the eThekwini Municipality job portal. Ensure that your application is submitted before the closing date of 2025/03/20 to be considered.
For more details, you can contact the Human Capital Officer at 031 311 4752
Also check: PSV Circular 09 of 2025: Available Government Vacancies in South Africa 2025
The Library Assistant (Outreach) vacancy at eThekwini Municipality offers a fulfilling career opportunity in the heart of Durban, where you can contribute to the community by enhancing public access to information, services, and heritage resources. If you are passionate about libraries, customer service, and outreach, this is the role for you. Apply now and join a team dedicated to improving the lives of residents in eThekwini through innovative and inclusive library services.
