Hiring and Sponsoring Librarians (SOC Code 2471)

Librarians, classified under SOC Code 2471, are information professionals dedicated to facilitating access to knowledge and resources in various formats. They play a crucial role in the educational and cultural landscape, ensuring that information is effectively organized and disseminated. Key responsibilities include:

• Acquisition: 
• • Selects and arranges for the acquisition of books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other resources.
• Classification and Cataloguing: 
• • Collects, classifies, and catalogs information, books, and other materials to enable easy retrieval.
• Information Management: 
• • Identifies the information needs of clients, evaluates information sources, and establishes effective storage systems to manage queries.
• Circulation: 
• • Manages library borrowing and inter-library loan facilities to enhance resource sharing among libraries.
• Promotion of Services: 
• • Promotes library services through engaging displays and informative talks to encourage community involvement.
• Learning Experiences:
• • Provides enriching learning and cultural experiences via events such as author talks, reading groups, and both formal and informal teaching sessions.

With the increasing importance of information in our society, the demand for skilled librarians continues to rise, prompting many institutions to seek qualified candidates both locally and internationally. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for librarians under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Librarians?

SOC Code 2471 refers to librarians who play a vital role in facilitating access to information and resources in libraries and information centers. Their responsibilities can include:

• Acquisition of materials: Selecting and arranging for the procurement of books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other resources.
• Information organization: Collecting, classifying, and cataloguing information, books, and various materials.
• Resource preparation: Preparing and circulating abstracts, bibliographies, and book lists to assist users.
• Client needs assessment: Identifying the information requirements of clients and evaluating appropriate information sources.
• Information management: Establishing effective information storage systems to handle queries and maintain up-to-date records.
• Library services management: Overseeing borrowing processes and inter-library loan facilities to enhance accessibility.
• Promotional activities: Promoting library services through engaging displays and informative talks.
• Cultural and educational programming: Providing enriching experiences through events such as author talks, reading groups, and both formal and informal teaching sessions.

Librarians are essential in fostering literacy, learning, and cultural engagement within communities, helping individuals access knowledge and resources for personal and professional growth.

Eligibility to Hire Librarians (SOC Code 3411)

Job Requirements

Librarians seeking employment must demonstrate proficiency in library management and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Educational Background: A degree in library science or a related field is typically required; advanced degrees may be preferred for certain positions.
• Experience: Previous work in library settings, including roles that involve cataloging, acquisitions, and patron services.
• Skills: 
  • Strong organizational skills for managing collections and library systems.
  • Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with library patrons and to promote services.
  • Proficiency in information technology, including library management software and digital resources.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with classification systems, reference tools, and trends in library sciences.
• Community Engagement: Experience in planning and facilitating educational and cultural programs, such as author talks and reading groups.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2471 and that the librarian’s qualifications and experience meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Librarians: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Librarians under SOC Code 2471.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Librarians, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Librarians under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Librarians. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Librarians applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Librarians’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Librarians can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Librarians

Before the Librarians begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Librarians’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Librarians holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Librarians’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Librarians’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Librarianss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Librarians

Sponsoring Librarians under SOC Code 2471 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Librarians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Librarians under SOC Code 2471 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.