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Archivist (Part-time)

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Role Introduction

Eton College seeks to recruit a part-time archivist to support the College Archivist. The role will involve: cataloguing; answering enquiries and facilitating researchers; overseeing deposit of modern records into the archives, including born-digital records; and contributing to teaching and engagement programmes. 

The College Archives is the final repository for the historical records of Eton College, preserving and making available the official records of the college’s activities and administration from its foundation in 1440 to the present day. The College Archives is also rich in medieval records which pre-date the founding of the college, due to the estates gifted to Eton by Henry VI. The archives were mainly concerned with administrative matters until the mid-19th century when records relating to the school become increasingly dominant. In addition to the college’s own archives, there is an extensive collection of donated material relating to school life such as letters home, diaries of school days and reminiscences. This role will suit someone with a genuine interest in history and in preserving records for posterity. 

Please note the post holder is responsible for retrieving and producing all documents, whether for internal purposes or for readers. Please be aware that some boxes and volumes are large and heavy and many items are stored on different floors and above head height.

This is an all year round post working 21 hours per week.

Main Duties

  • To acquire, accession and catalogue appropriate new archival material, whether by transfer within the college or by gift
  • To retrieve and produce all documents for both internal purposes or for readers
  • To ensure appropriate modern-day material is kept for archive purposes, in line with the college’s retention schedule. This will include including departmental record surveys
  • To assist with developing a procedure for the accessioning, appraisal and long-term preservation of born digital records, working in collaboration with the College Archivist and IT
  • To assist the College Archivist in promoting good records management across the college
  • To answer enquiries from college pupils, staff and members of the public
  • To make the archives available to readers by producing archival material for consultation, supervising its use and providing advice
  • To participate in an active teaching programme, for example by presentations to Eton pupils or to visiting groups
  • To produce displays/exhibitions for both internal and external audiences
  • To contribute to the activities of the Friends of the College Collections and to special events
  • To publicise the archives to outside organisations by means of talks, group visits and participation in appropriate professional activities
  • To maintain the social media presence of the College Archives
  • To participate in the development of online content
  • Line management responsibility for the Archives Assistant
  • To assist generally with the work of the College Collections through co-operation with other members of the Collections staff

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

  • A recognised archives qualification, or working towards one
  • Knowledge of records management and archival standards and experience managing digital archives
  • Familiar with the application of IT to the cataloguing, interpretation and publicising of archival material. The Collections use SSL software and familiarity with CollectionsIndexPlus would be an advantage, but training will be given.
  • Experience of managing digital archives or a willingness to engage with this area of work. 
  • Palaeographical skills to read and interpret medieval documents as well as those of Tudor and later date. Knowledge of Latin would also be beneficial.
  • Good communication and customer service skills along with an understanding of research skills in order to help users access materials
  • A logical approach to the work of identification and classification
  • Good organisational skills to manage a wide range of tasks
  • Adaptability, flexibility and attention to detail and accuracy
  • The ability to skim and understand an extensive and varied range of material
  • Competence in administrative procedures and project management ability
  • Knowledge of the data protection and freedom of information legislation may also be advantageous.
  • Experience of wider heritage issues and collaboration would be an advantage. (The postholder is expected to work closely with other members of the Collections team, especially the staff of College Library, and to participate in the management of the collections in general through membership of the Collections Committee.)

 

Please be advised that the closing date for this role is 3rd August. 

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including; an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discount at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Eton College

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