Senior Library Assistant(SLA)

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Kabarak University careers portal at careers.kabarak.ac.ke.

Show Your Archival Precision and Digital Savvy

This role sits at the intersection of traditional records management and modern digitization. Hiring managers will be looking for someone who can handle fragile historical materials with care while also being comfortable with digital tools and workflows.

1. Highlight your hands-on archival experience: On your CV, detail specific tasks you've performed in archives or records management, such as appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation. Mention any projects where you digitized materials or managed electronic records, as these are key to this role.

2. Demonstrate your knowledge of standards: Be ready to discuss your familiarity with archival standards like ISAD(G) or DACS, and records management frameworks. Even if you haven't used them formally, showing awareness of best practices will set you apart.

3. Showcase your technical skills: List the library management systems and digital tools you've used, such as Koha, DSpace, or ContentDM. If you have experience with scanning, OCR, or metadata creation, make sure to highlight that.

4. Prepare for practical questions: Expect interview questions that test your problem-solving in real scenarios, like how you would handle a deteriorated document or prioritize digitization projects. Think through examples from your past work.

5. Emphasize your professional membership: If you are a member of the Kenya Library Association (KLA) or another relevant body, mention it prominently. This shows your commitment to the profession and keeps you updated on best practices.

6. Show your flexibility: The role requires night and Saturday shifts, so be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work non-traditional hours. This is a practical consideration for the hiring team.

7. Tailor your application to the university context: Since this is an academic library, highlight any experience you have in academic settings, such as working with theses, dissertations, or research publications. Understanding the needs of students and faculty is a plus.

8. Ask thoughtful questions: In the interview, ask about the university's current digitization projects, the size of the archival collection, and how the library plans to expand its digital services. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.