Durham University Library and Heritage Collections

Head of Special Collections

Grade 9: £48,743 - £54,841

Durham’s Archives and Special Collections are indeed unique and distinctive, and we are seeking a visionary leader and information professional to move our services into the next decade and beyond. Responsibilities include the management of 25 FTE staff working across four units within the service based primarily in Palace Green Library – these include Rare Books and Manuscripts, Archives, Conservation, and the Exhibitions/Learning teams, together with the management and development of the Library and Archives at Ushaw College.

The post holder will have substantial experience of managing archives and special collections within a major research university and a vision of how all special collections can evolve in ways to better support research, education, and scholarship in both the digital and print domains.

Palace Green Library is nearing the conclusion of a £12m redevelopment which has involved the complete repurposing of the building to create three exhibition galleries, conservation studio, learning centre, café, new strong-room storage, and staff accommodation. The post holder will manage the final phase of the redevelopment programme which will involve the Grade 1 Listed Exchequer Building. The Library hosted the very successful 2013 Lindisfarne Gospels Exhibition and is now a vital component of the Durham World Heritage Site.

Further particulars and details of how to apply for this vacancy are available via: http://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/.  The closing date for the receipt of applications is 16th September 2014; short-listing is scheduled to take place around 22nd September, with the interview process taking place on both of Sunday, 12th and Monday, 13th October 2014. Application is by CV and covering letter.  Please quote the reference number 3761 on all applications and correspondence.  Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Mr Jon Purcell, University Librarian on 0191 334 2960, email: [log in to unmask].

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Dr Christopher Skelton-Foord
Head of Policy and Planning    
Durham University Library and Heritage Collections

+44 (0)191 334 2934   
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www.dur.ac.uk/library/

Bill Bryson Library, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LY, UK

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