Role Introduction

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual with experience of working with special collections to join our small, busy team.

Eton College Library, established in the 1440s, houses over 150,000 rare books and manuscripts, which range in date from the 9th to the 21st century.  The collection is used by researchers and for teaching Etonians and groups from other schools. Regularly changing library exhibitions are open to visitors.

The Assistant Librarian’s responsibilities, with a particular focus on the modern (post-1800) collections of literary archives, personal papers and printed books, include cataloguing, collection management and user services, and contributing to the library’s engagement and education programmes.

A relevant postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) and experience of cataloguing archival collections and/or rare books are required. Experience of interpreting collection materials through exhibitions or other engagement projects would be an advantage.

You will be working 52 weeks per year on a part-time basis for maternity cover, (starting November 2020).  The position comprises of 21 hours per week.

Main Duties

Key responsibilities:

Collection management

·  Appraising, processing and cataloguing new acquisitions 

·  Cataloguing library materials including enhancing existing records 

·  Identifying and prioritising conservation/preservation needs, in consultation with other library staff and the Collections Care Conservator 

·  Contributing to rationalisation and review of storage arrangements and rehousing of library materials in storage areas

Public services 

·  Shared responsibility for reader services with Library Curator (including coordinating reader services and library displays in advance of days not working) 

·  Overseeing enquiry service for the library’s modern collection

·  Contributing to exhibitions (drawing from all areas of library collections)

·  Supporting teaching and visits with special focus on modern collections and archives

·  Supporting digitisation projects

·  Contributing content to Collections social media and publications (web and print)

·  Taking responsibility for covering the main library office regularly as part of a rota (acting as first point of contact for visitors and telephone enquiries) 

(Please see attached document for further information).

The Ideal Candidate

Essential: 

• An archives or librarianship qualification or relevant practical cataloguing experience
• Knowledge of ISAD(G) and GLAM (Group for Literary Archives & Manuscripts) cataloguing guidelines, and/or knowledge of MARC21, AACR2, DCRM(B) and LCSH cataloguing standards
• Good IT skills, including basic to intermediate ability in Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately and to complete tasks by set deadlines
• Good communication skills
• Ability to skim and understand an extensive and varied range of material
• Demonstrable interest in or knowledge of 19^th- and 20^th- century British literature and history

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 discounts 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 committed to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

Eton College