The post will be part of the Librarians and Acquisitions team, managed by the University Librarian as part of the Directorate of Learning, Teaching and Libraries. We have libraries at campuses in Luton, Bedford and Aylesbury, supporting staff and students across three faculties and at partner institutions.
We are seeking a knowledgeable, motivated and forward‑thinking professional to take a leading role in the delivery, development and oversight of the University’s digital library systems and resources. In this position, you will act as system administrator for a suite of essential services - including the library management system, catalogue, discovery platform, journal databases, repository and reading list systems - ensuring that provision is robust, reliable and aligned to the needs of students, academics and researchers.
You will be one of the University’s key contacts for licensing and compliance, championing adherence to copyright, GDPR, cybersecurity requirements and supplier terms. You will manage and support Read and Publish agreements, working collaboratively with Academic Liaison Librarians, research institutes, individual researchers and external providers. You will also monitor developments in artificial intelligence in the library sector, helping the University understand and act upon emerging opportunities and risks.
The role includes leading digital change projects, co-ordinating consultation with University stakeholders, producing management information dashboards, and supporting external reporting such as SCONUL. You will evaluate digital resource provision, interpret usage data, act as a liaison with internal teams (including ICT, Faculties, Registry and others), participate in committees and working groups, and contribute to reports.
The ideal candidate will be a graduate with a qualification in library or information management and, ideally, professional accreditation (e.g. MCLIP). You will bring strong knowledge of digital library systems, procurement, collection development, research publication processes and customer service theory, alongside experience in project leadership, supplier liaison and stakeholder engagement. Excellent communication, analytical skills, organisation and a flexible, student‑centred approach are essential.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact David Abdy via mail: [email protected]
Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 7th September.
For a full job description and person specification .
The post will be based at Luton (with travel to other campuses as required)
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.
At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.
We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.
We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies.
To Apply
Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.
For any enquires contact People & Culture email P&[email protected]
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.
