Overview

Our aim is for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

Lambeth Palace Library (LPL), founded in 1610, is the historic library and record office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Following the merger with the Church of England Record Centre in 2020 it is now the principal repository for the archives not only of the Archbishop of Canterbury but also of the National Church Institutions in London. Further details may be found on the Library’s website: www.lambethpalacelibrary.org

Post Introduction

We are looking for a new team member to support the vision and mission of Lambeth Palace Library by providing a high-quality service to all users.

As Collections Librarian, you will be describing, developing, interpreting and promoting the Library's collections for the benefit of readers, with particular responsibility for the Library’s periodical and prints collections.

With previous experience of cataloguing printed material and an understanding of cataloguing standards used in the Library, you will have an interest in historical library and archive collections and an organised, methodical and meticulous approach to your work.

The working hours are 21 per week to be worked over 3 days.

To arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact hugh.cahill@churchofengland.org

Interviews will be held on the 13th December 2021.

In return we offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

Role Responsibility

The Role

• Ordering of modern printed material, including liaising with suppliers, checking goods received, ensuring invoices are paid and maintaining accurate records both of purchases and gifts. 
• Cataloguing prints in compliance with international standards such as DCRM(G) and rehousing them where necessary.
• Cataloguing and classifying new accessions, using system, DCRM(B), DCRM(G), AACRII, MARC21, LC classification and subject headings; editing existing records. 
• Engaging with our readers and researchers to promote the use of the collections. 
• Working with colleagues to ensure the security and safe use of the collections, including supervising the Reading Room.
• Answering enquiries, particularly those questions relating to the Library’s collections of prints. 
• Maintaining awareness of national and international developments in special collections to ensure good practice. 
• Improving role appropriate collections knowledge through regular continuing professional development activities. 
• Participating in, and where necessary delivering, role appropriate outreach and engagement activities (including social media), such as selecting prints for display, to support the Library’s vision to be accessible to all. 
• Carrying out any other Library duties as required. 

The Ideal Candidate

The Requirements

Essential 

Skills/Aptitudes: 

• Good IT and keyboarding skills, including MS Office. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• An interest in, and enthusiasm for, historical library and archive collections. 

Knowledge/Experience: 

• Previous experience of cataloguing printed material and an understanding of cataloguing standards used in the Library, including AACRII, MARC21, DCRM(B). 
• Experience of working in a library. 

Personal Attributes: 

• Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision. 
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with members of the public. 
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to organise own work and prioritise duties.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to work methodically and accurately showing attention to detail. 
• Ability to work to agreed standards.   

Education: 

• An honours degree or equivalent.  
• Professional qualification in Librarianship or equivalent experience.

Circumstances: 

Given the nature of the collections, candidates must be able to: 

• Move books, archive boxes, etc. 
• Work with items in poor condition.
• Work one late evening a week.

Desirable  

Knowledge/Experience: 

• Knowledge of British history, with an interest in ecclesiastical history. 
• Previous experience of cataloguing using Koha.
• Experience of supervision of members of the public consulting historic collections.  
• A working knowledge of Latin and at least one modern European language. 
• Knowledge of historical bibliography and the history of the book. 
• Previous experience of cataloguing prints and of DCRM(G).
• A good understanding of print-making processes.

About Us

We in the National Church Institutions support the mission and ministries of the Church all over England. We work with parishes, dioceses (regional offices), schools, other ministries and our partners at a national and international level.

Excellence, Respect, Integrity

We follow these three values in everything we do, whether we are of Christian faith, another faith or no faith. To learn more about working for National Church Institutions and our benefits, please click here

As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.

As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, we welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and to ensuring that everyone, job applicants, customers and other people with whom we deal, are treated fairly and not subject to discrimination.  We will do whatever is necessary to provide genuine equality of opportunity. We continuously review our policies and processes to support our aim to create a workforce as diverse as the nation the Church of England serves..