Posted on behalf of the Mander & Mitchenson Theatre Collection. A full job 
description is also included.

MANDER & MITCHENSON THEATRE COLLECTION
Archive Officer/Cataloguer
£19,000 per annum 

The Mander & Mitchenson Theatre Collection is one of the most significant 
theatre collections in the United Kingdom, and is acknowledged nationally 
and internationally as a major resource for the study of the theatre arts. 
The collection includes all types of material with extensive holdings of 
playbills and programmes, 18th & 19th Century prints, photographs and 
books as well as business records, paintings, ceramics and a few costumes. 

As Archive Officer/Cataloguer you will be responsible for supporting the 
work of the Collection Administrator, providing full office support and 
running a busy information and picture library service. The generation of 
income through photo sales is a significant aspect of this job. You will 
also undertake cataloguing duties as time allows.  

The ideal candidate will have: 
-Experience of working in an archive or special collection and dealing 
with fragile materials. 
- Experience of working in a busy picture library/information service. 
- Ability to prioritise workload and function effectively under pressure. 
- Ability to deal with a wide range of people. 
- Knowledge of theatre historyA full job description is available (below).

If you feel you have the energy and commitment to make a positive 
contribution to the work of this busy Collection, please send your CV with 
a hand-written covering letter to: 
Richard Mangan 
Administrator 
Mander & Mitchenson Theatre Collection 
Jerwood Library of Performing Arts 
Trinity College of Music 
King Charles Court 
Old Royal Naval College 
London, SE10 9JF 

CLOSING DATE for applications: Friday, 25 November 2005, at 4.30pm.  

The position is due for commencement as soon as possible. 

-------- FULL JOB DESCRIPTION -----

MANDER AND MITCHENSON THEATRE COLLECTION

Role/ Title: Archive Officer/Cataloguer
Reports to: Administrator/Head of Collection
Manages: Cataloguers casuals, volunteers, placements, removal companies, 
conservators
 

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To assist the Administrator/Head of Collection in practical aspects of 
managing the Mander and Mitchenson Theatre Collection, which is 
acknowledged nationally and internationally as a major resource for the 
study of the history of theatre arts.
To increase awareness and access to the Collection, and raise revenue, 
through provision of an information and picture library service to 
external users.  
To manage the full range of services required to ensure safe and 
appropriate care and storage of and access to the Mander and Mitchenson 
Theatre Collection. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Promote, both in the UK and overseas, the work of the Mander and 
Mitchenson Collection through providing access to historical information 
to demonstrate the relevance and historical significance of the Collection.

Represent the interests of the Collection both within the Jerwood Library 
of the Performing Arts and externally, assuming responsibility in lieu of 
the Administrator/Head of Collection  where necessary.

Manage and promote the photo library service, within the requirements of 
existing copyright law, ensuring a continuing income stream to the 
Collection.

Organise and manage the information service, responding to enquiries and 
ensuring adequate supervision of researchers.

Manage the office and supplies, including house-keeping and security, 
managing the post, ordering and invoicing.

Manage specialist supplies, source conservation storage materials and 
provide IT support and expertise to assist and instruct other staff and 
volunteers. Develop a manual for Archive procedures.

Liaising with the Administrator/Head of Collection, assess material 
offered to the Collection for donation or purchase.  Manage the accessions 
procedure for material being added to the Collection. 

Develop and maintain a detailed knowledge base of the Collection.  Use 
this knowledge to advise and assist users of the Collection and to 
identify long term and short term requirements for conservation, 
cataloguing, housing etc.  

Develop and maintain cataloguing projects to fulful the requirements of 
the Collection to provide full documentation and retrieval systems and 
access to the Collection.

Where appropriate, manage cataloguing/project staff, through regular 
supervision meetings, providing support and encouragement, prioritising 
competing workload demands and identifying training needs.  Manage 
placements, casuals and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Archives and Picture Library

- Specialist training in the care, handling and storage of a wide range of 
archive materials, including photographs, works on paper, and works of art.
- Knowledge and understanding of conservation issues.
- Experience of working in a public information service/picture library.
- Knowledge and understanding of current Archive issues such as copyright, 
Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection.
- Experience of cataloguing a variety of materials in an archive or museum 
context.
- Experience of working in a specialist collection.

People and Communications Skills

- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people including 
members of the public and the press.
- Ability to liaise with specialist suppliers and conservators.
- Ability to take on an ambassador role in representing the Mander and 
Mitchenson Collection at specialist forums
- Experience of managing staff and ability to supervise specialist and non-
specialist staff, volunteers, maintenance and removal personnel
- Ability to promote effective teamwork and harmonious working 
relationships at all levels

Project Management Skills

- Proficient Microsoft Office user and experienced user of databases , in 
particular museum/archive/library systems.
- Excellent planning and project management skills, able to demonstrate 
drive and ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
- Ability to complete projects with high level of accuracy and attention 
to detail.
- Judgement and discretion to deal appropriately with confidential and 
sensitive information. 
- Numeracy, and ability to support the Collection’s financial records 
system.
- Experience of and commitment to the use of new technology in managing 
Collections

Desirable/Knowledge to be Acquired 

- General knowledge of the history of theatre
- Detailed knowledge of the collection; general knowledge of other 
performing arts collections.
- Knowledge of European language(s)
- A current driving licence. 

Job Requirements

- Ability to work at heights and lift heavy loads
- Flexibility to work off-site and occasional long hours 

NOTE: This Job Description reflects the current situation.  It does not 
preclude change or development that might be required in the future.