Collection Developer

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICES

COLLECTION DEVELOPER

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 9

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above-mentioned vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities

• Processing/Submission of materials for UPSpace in accordance with metadata standards;
• Ensuring proper metadata creation and adherence to standards like Dublin Core;
• Reviewing and managing metadata quality to enhance discoverability;
• Overseeing the submission, review, and approval workflows for content uploads;
• Maintaining a logical and consistent structure of collections and communities within the repository;
• Providing technical support to repository users, including librarians, faculty, researchers, and students;
• Addressing user queries and troubleshoot access or submission issues;
• Conducting training sessions for users on depositing, retrieving, and managing content;
• Developing training and self-help material such as manuals, brochures and lib guides;
• Supplying input into the development policy, design procedures, guidelines, manuals and workflow to enable policy implementation;
• Interpreting and applying UP and DLS policies and strategies on DSpace;
• Managing user permissions and roles, ensuring secure and appropriate access to repository content;
• Identifying problems and develop solutions and changes to existing procedures and workflow; Work with developers to implement new features or enhancements;
• Monitoring repository usage through analytics tools and generate reports on repository activity;
• Analysing submission trends, downloads, and user behaviour to inform improvements;
• Promoting repository use among researchers and faculty;
• Advocating for open-access publishing and institutional repository initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• A three-year degree in Information Sciences and a minimum of two years’ experience in managing DSpace or supporting institutional repositories or similar systems;
• Knowledge of copyright legislation and application in an open community;
• Knowledge and experience of bibliometrics and altimetric tools;
• Experience in content migration and digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term accessibility of content;
• Knowledge of Open Access publishing and scholarly communication trends.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Computer literacy in the Windows environment and the Internet;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to manage time effectively;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure;
• Integrity and honesty;
• Self-control and drive;
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy;
• Problem-solving abilities: To troubleshoot system issues and address user needs;
• Communication skills: Ability to liaise with technical staff, faculty, and repository users;
• Organizational skills: Managing multiple tasks, setting priorities, and ensuring timely delivery;
• Team collaboration: Experience working with IT, librarians, or other Familiarity with repository integrations with learning management systems or third-party tools;
• Familiarity with DSpace installation, configuration, and customization;
• Knowledge of repository interoperability protocols (e.g., OAI-PMH, SWORD);
• Knowledge of international trusted repository standards.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments and/or psychometric testing as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of relevant qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three work-related referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 25 April 2024

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries

Mr. Gojiwe Malobola: gojiwe.malobola@up.ac.za , Tel: (012) 420 3122 for application-related enquiries;

Ms. Khawulile Radebe, khawulile.radebe@up.ac.za Tel: (012) 420 5651 for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 July 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.