Archives Assistant (part-time) 

Gladstone’s Library is a Grade I listed, Prime Ministerial, residential Library in Hawarden, Flintshire. The Library was founded in the 1880s with a donation of 22,000 books from William Ewart Gladstone; the collections now number some 150,000 printed items, including several distinctive collections and more than 20 archives. It is a world-class resource. It also benefits from five modern meeting rooms, 25 boutique bedrooms and a bistro, Food for Thought. An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen to be a part of the Reading Rooms team. 

Overall purpose of the role 

Reporting to the Director of Collections and Research, the Archives Assistant will join a team of five. The team are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Reading Rooms, two galleried areas with 28 silent working spaces. The Archives Assistant will work closely with the Assistant Librarian to manage interns and volunteers, participate in the Library’s public engagement programme, and maintain the Library’s reputation for excellent customer service. More specifically, the Assistant takes responsibility for the maintenance and administration of the Library’s archives. The archives are increasingly popular with researchers and we want access to be balanced with the highest preservation standards. 

Key qualities 

The Reading Rooms team is dedicated to raising the profile of the collections while maintaining collection security and the silent ethos of the Library. The successful candidate will have a passion for communicating archives to researchers and the public, and enabling access both in person and through creative digital methods. A professional, accurate, flexible attitude is essential, as is knowledge of cataloguing and collection maintenance. Experience of working with archive collections in non-purpose-built environments will be an advantage. The candidate must hold a postgraduate qualification recognised by the Archives and Records Association. 

Candidates will need to offer some flexibility in working hours to suit the needs of the business. With prior arrangement, there will be a requirement to be able to present to Library stakeholders, and to assist with the events programme, including our annual literary festival, Gladfest.  

Main tasks and responsibilities 

Ensuring the security of the collections and the safety of users by providing a professional, user-facing presence in the Reading Rooms. 
Responding to enquires from researchers and members of the public who wish to access the archives, both in person and remotely; experience with reprographic quotations and the creation of digital images would be an advantage. 
Issuing archive items within the Reading Rooms while ensuring the highest standards of security and handling. 
Maintaining the data standards of archives held at Gladstone’s Library, including the institution’s own archive (in development). 
Monitoring the condition of archive collections as well as their storage areas. 
Cataloging and indexing archive items; maintaining provenance records; managing the acquisition of archives. 
Overseeing small teams of interns and volunteers on archive-based projects, and helping to strengthen the knowledge base within the Reading Room team. 
Participating in the Reading Rooms' outreach programme: delivering Glimpses, developing displays and exhibitions, giving short talks, presenting to external groups. 
The successful candidate must have excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word / Excel / Outlook). Experience of records management software and / or library catalogues will be an advantage. 
This is not an exhaustive list. Additional tasks will be developed by request of the Director of Collections and Research, or the Warden, or in consultation with the Assistant Librarian. This ensures that Gladstone’s Library maintains the highest standard of professional standards. 

Hours of work: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 1.00pm (core working hours) 

Rate of pay: £21,000 per annum (pro rata) 

Benefits: Pension scheme and 21 days (pro rata) annual leave entitlement plus two weeks equivalent for Christmas closure 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Tuesday, 5th December 2017 

Interviews to be held on: Monday, 11th December 2017 

Start date: January 2018 

Please note that we are not able to respond to all applicants and any previous applicants will not be automatically informed of this role. 

To apply please send a covering letter and your CV with contact details of two referees to Jane Jones, Gladstone’s Library, Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire, CH5 3DF or [log in to unmask]

For more information, please email: [log in to unmask] or call 01244 532350. 

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