PRINCIPAL LIBRARIAN

Office of the Chief Justice

Reference number: 2026/117/OCJ
Salary: R413 001 – R486 501 per annum (Level 08). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Centre: Gauteng Division of The High Court: Johannesburg
Province: Gauteng
Closing date: 14 September 2026
Circular: No 31 of 2026

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Requirements

Applicants should be in possession of a National Diploma in Library Science/Information Science or equivalent qualification at NQF level 6 as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Library Services. A valid drivers’ license will serve as an added advantage. Knowledge and skills: Knowledge of Library and Information Science matters, Library prescripts, legislation, procedures, processes and library services. knowledge of free legal sites to access information, knowledge of online databases (LexisNexis, Juta stats, Westlaw, Sabinet and SAFLII); understanding of information management and research skills to retrieve information; Basic understanding the Constitution act, 1996, Promotion of access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 and Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013. Batho Pele Principles, skilled in communication, planning and organising, computer literacy (Microsoft Office). customer services, supervisory skills, report writing, interpersonal relations, research and analytical skills.

Duties

Monitor the collection, cataloguing and publications of Library materials within the court, identify and select the relevant material to be procured at court Library in accordance with library policies and guidelines. Assess the relevance and currency of the library collection and make recommendations for additions, removals, or updates, organise and catalogue legal materials to ensure easy retrieval by legal professionals. Apply appropriate classification systems and metadata to enhance the accessibility of the collection and barcoding of Library material, monitor the usage of library information resources both hard copies and soft copies (online resources), monitor serial publications, receiving of amendments and updating of loose-leaf subscriptions and binders, facilitate the submission of standing orders for the court, monitor the rendering of library and Information Services to Judiciary, monitor circulation desk services and helpdesk roster, implement digital tools and technologies to enhance information retrieval processes, keep update on emerging technologies relevant to legal research and library management and integrate into the library's operations, monitor the digital resources, including electronic databases, legal research tools and online subscriptions. Facilitate interlibrary loans to ensure access to materials not available within the court's own collection, monitor the circulation handed down judgments both pdf and word version to Publishers and external stakeholders on request, ensure the circulation of finalised Judgments of interest to other Judges, provide reference assistance and library awareness within the court, provide reference assistance to judges, lawyers, court staff and the public. provide support with legal research, citation verification and locating relevant legal precedents. Conduct training sessions for legal professionals on effective legal research methods and the use of legal databases, keep legal professionals informed about recent developments in the law through newsletters, alerts and other current awareness services. Advocate for the importance of the library within the court system and promote awareness of its resources and services, coordinate and monitor effective Library Administration, coordinate Library Services staff meetings, provide support in the coordination of Library Committee meetings, provide support in the facilitation of online trainings by Juta, LexisNexis and Sabinet for Judges, Judges Secretaries, Registrars and Law Researchers. Monitor quarterly Budget allocations for the Library, coordinate and monitor the procurement process with Supply Chain Management for new purchases, monitor internal asset verification schedule and assets register, coordinate and monitor the disposal of approved Library publications for donations, supervise and develop staff, ensure general supervision of employees, allocate duties and perform quality control on the work delivered by officials, manage leave of staff, advise and lead supervisees with regard to all aspects of the work, manage performance, conduct and discipline of employees, ensure that all employees are trained and developed to be able to deliver work of the required standard efficiently and effectively, develop, implement and monitor work systems and processes to ensure efficient and effective functioning, address enquiries, provide advice and guidance on asset allocation and control.

Where to send your application

Applications can be sent via email to 2026/117/OCJ@judiciary.org.za

Enquiries

Technical Related Enquiries: Ms. Linah Madisha Tel No: (010) 494 8466 HR Related Enquiries: Ms. T Mbalekwa Tel No: (010) 494 8515

Note

The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 31 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 28 August 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 10 September 2026.

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