Dear colleagues,

See below.

All the best
Pat


Dr Patricia Noxolo,

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences,

University of Birmingham,

Edgbaston,

Birmingham

B15 2TT

UK

________________________________
From: British Black Studies [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of [log in to unmask] [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 August 2017 08:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: job vacancy for an Assistant Archivist


Project: Citizens of a Common Future: forward steps for the George Padmore Institute (HLF funded)

Post: Assistant Archivist, part-time.

Length of Contract: fixed term 11 months; October 2017 to September 2018

Salary: £23,000, pro rata

Hours: 14 hours per week. Days and times worked are negotiable (see below for full details)

Annual Leave: 28 days, pro rata

Closing Date: 8 September 2017

Anticipated interview date: week beginning 18 September 2017

Summary:

We are seeking an Assistant Archivist to participate in all aspects of the George Padmore Institute (GPI) archive service. This will include supervising the search room, as well as answering enquiries and helping to promote the collections. You will assist with the preservation of archives and undertake cataloguing in line with professional archival standards. You may also be asked to participate in outreach activities. You will be working alongside the Project Manager/Archivist and we will require you to help with the supervision of our team of volunteers.

Background:

The George Padmore Institute (GPI) is an archive, educational research and information centre housing materials relating mainly to the black community of Caribbean, African and Asian descent in Britain and continental Europe. Its aims are to organise and sustain the archive; allow the materials to be made available in the search room at the GPI and via modern storage, retrieval and communication methods; carry out educational and cultural activities including talks, exhibitions, workshops, and school projects; and publish and disseminate relevant materials.

As an internationally respected archive and educational organisation, the GPI has carved out a reputation as being an essential resource for anyone interested in Britain’s multicultural history. From groundbreaking cultural organisations to radical political and educational campaigns, the GPI holds a number of unique archive collections which have already been used for imaginative outreach work, including exhibitions and poetry residencies.

Now, in 2017, the GPI needs to modernise and plan for a sustainable future. Our new HLF funded project, ‘Citizens of a Common Future’ is the first step in this process, assessing the Institute’s current building and facilities to improve accessibility and allow for growth. We will also be producing a business and fundraising plan to help the Institute move towards financial self-sustainability.

You will be playing a key role in this project by helping us to maintain our archive service whilst surveys and assessments are carried out on all aspects of the structure, facilities and working environment of the building and archive.

Hours worked:

The hours and days you would like to work are negotiable, within certain constraints. You can choose the days you would prefer to work (Mon-Fri only). You also have some flexibility around start and finish times, although you must build in 2 periods per week 10.00am-4.30pm to assist with search room duties (search room open Mon-Fri 10.30-4.00pm). Once finalised, the post holder is required to stick with this work routine unless circumstances change.

We may also require you to attend out of hours Archive Management Committee meetings held on site, usually once every 6 weeks in the early evening.

Location: the George Padmore Institute is based on Stroud Green Road in Finsbury Park, a few minutes’ walk from Finsbury Park Station.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking an Assistant Archivist to participate in all aspects of the George Padmore Institute (GPI) archive service. This will include supervising the search room, as well as answering enquiries and helping to promote the collections. You will assist with the preservation of archives and undertake cataloguing in line with professional archival standards. You may also be asked to participate in outreach activities. You will be working alongside the Project Manager/Archivist and we will require you to help with the supervision of our team of volunteers.

Core duties to include:

Research service and public enquiries:

·        Answering public enquiries (by email, letter, telephone or in person)

·        Booking appointments for researchers and visitors

·        Supervising our search room including assisting researchers and visitors (small search room with a maximum of 3 researchers at any one time by prior appointment only)

·        Retrieving and returning material to/from the repository

·        Carrying out reprographic requests, as required

Processing Archives:

·        Sorting, listing and cataloguing archives in line with professional archival standards

·        Preparing and updating finding aids

·        Entering data onto our CALM database

·        Periodic uploading of data to our online catalogues

·        Supervision of volunteers, including checking work

Promotion of Archives and Outreach:

·        Helping to promote the GPI and archives, including updating website and through use of social media etc.

·        Assisting with and/or participating in workshops, group visits and talks

·        Liaising with potential depositors

Preservation of Archives:

·        Cleaning and repackaging archive material

·        Assisting with digital preservation and access

Other:

·        Other reasonable duties suitable for this post

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

·        Candidates should have a professional qualification in archives administration or equivalent

Candidates should demonstrate:

·        Excellent communication and inter-personal skills

·        Sound knowledge of archival standards, including ISAD(G)

·        Sound knowledge of data protection legislation and copyright issues

·        Strong IT skills using Microsoft Office

Desirable:

·        A basic working knowledge of CALM.

·        Knowledge of 20th century black history, especially from 1960s onwards.

Skills and Attributes:

·        Ability to work unsupervised

·        Ability to contribute to team work

·        Excellent organising and planning skills

·        Ability to meet deadlines

·        Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with work patterns and routines

·        Show a positive attitude

·        Ability to be both proactive and patient

The post holder will be expected to show empathy with the goals of the Institute

Working Environment:

We regret that the George Padmore Institute is not currently wheelchair accessible. There is a steep step to the front door and a staircase to the search room. The post holder will also face the challenge of a restricted working environment as our building is small. You may be required to swop desks on occasion. With only one large room in the building, this needs to double as the search room and as a meeting room – plus provide space for occasional workshops, events and talks. Access, mobility, visibility and the working environment are all areas we are planning to address as part of the Citizens of a Common Future project.

Training:  This post includes a training budget to allow for relevant personal development.

Pension:  Workplace pension available.

Application: to apply, please send us your CV and full covering letter, with details of all relevant professional experience and skills. Please include 2 referees.

Address for applications:   Sarah White, Secretary, George Padmore Institute, 76 Stroud Green Road, London N4 3EN

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