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Exciting opportunity to join one of the world's most prestigious institutions as an Assistant Librarian, contributing to the preservation of global history and culture.
Overview
Salary
£29642
Location
Bloomsbury, London
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation Summary
The British Museum is a global institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the world's history, from past to present. Work alongside passionate professionals and contribute to our mission by facilitating access to knowledge.
Role Summary
- Manage and facilitate access to the Museum’s library collections for staff and the public
- Assist with cataloguing using multiple classification systems
- Support operational needs like handling enquiries, loans and administration
- Help maintain library collections, subscriptions and contribute to library projects
- Support user education and volunteer placements
Role Requirements
- Organized, proactive, and dedicated to delivering high-quality library services
- Excellent communication and attention to detail
- Ability to use digital tools and adapt to new systems
- Passionate about the heritage collections and facilitating access to knowledge
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays
- One of the UK's most generous defined benefit pension schemes
- Discounted entry to museums and galleries globally
- Staff canteen and discounts in the gift shop
Application Process Details
Send application details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org. Note that the museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening.
The British Museum is hiring an Assistant Librarian in their Research, Archives and Libraries department. This role involves managing the Museum's library collections and facilitating access for staff and external users. As an Assistant Librarian, you will be part of a team responsible for the development of both print and digital resources across the Museum's libraries and delivering high-quality, customer-focused library and heritage services. This includes user education, cataloguing, and appraisal.
Key areas of responsibility include: Operational Support: Manage library collections, act as the first point of contact for research enquiries, loans, and administration. Cataloguing & Access: Assist with cataloguing using multiple classification systems; ensure access to library resources for staff and public. Library Maintenance & Finance: Maintain organization of materials, track locations, and handle finance administration. Collection & Project Support: Assist with acquisition, subscriptions, preservation, disposal of materials, and contribute to library projects. Education & Volunteer Development: Support user education with guidance, induction, and training, and help develop volunteer placements.
About you: You are organized, proactive, and passionate about delivering excellent library services. You enjoy working collaboratively and can communicate clearly with a wide range of users. Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks are key strengths, alongside a flexible approach to problem-solving. You are confident using digital tools and eager to learn new systems. An interest in heritage collections and supporting access to knowledge will help you thrive in this role.
Benefits: Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together! Enjoy 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays. Benefit from one of the UK's most generous defined benefit pension schemes. Receive free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide. Take advantage of interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans. Access our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support. Enjoy paid 1-hour lunch breaks, a subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, Value Many Voices.
Additional details: If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to [email removed - click apply for more details]. Unfortunately, for this role, we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
