Job title: Senior Library & Knowledge Advisor
Reports to: Library & Knowledge Services Team Leader
Location: London
What are we looking for?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new member of our six-person team based in our London office. We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who will proactively seek to build and improve the service that the team offers. As a senior member of the team you will have the opportunity to mentor our Senior Library Assistant and deputise for the Library and Knowledge Services Team Leader when needed.
The Library and Knowledge Services team is a global department comprised of eleven people. Working with our Knowledge Lawyers, this combined team is responsible for ensuring that everyone in the firm has the knowledge, information and resources they need in order to complete their work to the highest possible standards.
Areas of focus and responsibilities
Managing subscriptions:
- Responsible for the management of all hard copy and most online library subscriptions administered from London.
- Negotiating with suppliers and actively monitoring and tracking expenditure to ensure that we remain on or under budget for subscriptions.
- Ensuring that subscriptions remain relevant to the teams they serve and keeping abreast of new developments to existing subscriptions and potential new resources.
- Evaluating the use and value of subscriptions both at renewal time and throughout the subscription period using the firms ERM tool (Onelog), other usage stats and regular communication with users.
- Promoting, training and helping users get the best use of subscriptions whilst complying with the terms and conditions of use.
- Ensuring that the subscriptions information in the library catalogue, team spreadsheets and, where applicable, on intranet pages is correct and up to date
- Acting as the main contact point within the firm and with the supplier for our ERM tool (Onelog).
Research and training:
- Delivering new joiner inductions and trainee training to teams within our Business Division.
- Delivering ad hoc training on the library and knowledge resources using a variety of methods including recorded videos, written materials as well as live video and in-person sessions (where possible).
- Assisting lawyers with their legal research enquiries as part of the three-person London library enquiries team.
- Researching and summarising information for use by the Business Development and Senior Management teams.
Developing the service:
- Representing the library team within the Business Division through regular attendance at Business Division team meetings as well as regular conversations with the Business Development Manager and Knowledge Lawyer for the Division.
- Actively contributing to the knowledge of the global Library and Knowledge Services team by sharing personal learning and new knowledge gained through interactions within the firm and with contacts at other firms.
- Working with the Knowledge Lawyer for the Business Division to create, monitor and maintain the divisional Library and Knowledge intranet pages.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.
Skills and experience required
- A qualification in Library or Information Science is desired but not essential
- Experience of negotiating with suppliers on both price and contract terms is essential
- Able to demonstrate a track record of managing subscriptions in a way that ensures the firm and users get the best possible value
- Skilled at building relationships at different levels of seniority in the firm and across different teams
- Experience using online resources including Westlaw UK, Practical Law, Lexis Library, LexisPSL, Lexis Newsdesk, PitchBook, Orbis
- Skilled in competitive intelligence research such as profiling companies or individuals for business development and strategic purposes
- A confident and engaging presenter/trainer
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Able to meet deadlines, manage multiple projects and deliver under pressure
- Skilled at using own initiative to find solutions to questions or problems and committed to seeing projects through to completion
The essentials
- 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility will be needed during busy periods
- 12-week probation period
- 12-week notice period
- Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, denplan, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, the ability to buy and sell holidays, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle to work scheme, on site café and more.
About Withersworldwide
Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for over 100 years. We advise clients on the full range of their business, personal and philanthropic legal needs, both at home and abroad. With offices in the key financial centres of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage and services that other law firms focussed on the needs of the individual cannot. We have represented 70% of the Top 100 in The Sunday Times Rich List, 25% of the Forbes 400 List, 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List, and 35% of Forbes Asia's Richest Families list.
Information for Recruitment Agencies
Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.
Equal Opportunities Employment Statement
It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion. Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.
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