Archives Assistant

Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and archive of the Archbishops of
Canterbury and the principal repository for the archives of the national bodies
of the Church of England. Founded in 1610, it is freely open for public use and
serves as a research centre specialising in church history, with wide-ranging
archive, manuscript and printed collections dating from the ninth century to the
present day, including modern archives and digital records.

The Library’s vision is to collect, preserve and make accessible the memory of
the Church of England, so that its history can be explored and enjoyed by all.
Alongside its long-standing strengths, the Library is developing new ways of
improving access to collections and enabling research, learning and engagement

Working as part of the Archives team, the Archives Assistant plays an important
role in helping researchers and visitors access the Library’s collections. The
role combines Reading Room and enquiry services with collections management,
cataloguing and public engagement activities. It is well suited to someone who
enjoys working with people, has an interest in archive and library collections,
history and cultural heritage, and takes pride in providing an excellent
service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Researcher services and public access

Providing a welcoming, professional and inclusive service to readers is central
to this role. The postholder will help ensure that collections can be accessed
safely and effectively by researchers and visitors.

This will include:

* Welcoming readers and visitors, supporting registration processes and helping
people explore and make use of the Library’s collections and services.
* Retrieving, issuing and reshelving collection material and ensuring its
secure and appropriate use.
* Responding to enquiries from researchers and readers, drawing on collections
knowledge and information-finding skills to provide information and support.
* Processing requests for copies of collection material and maintaining
accurate records where required.

 

Collections management and care

The postholder will support the organisation, documentation and care of the
Library’s archives collection.

This will include:

* Cataloguing selected archive collections and enhancing catalogue records
using appropriate archive management systems.
* Assisting with collections management activities, including stock checking,
location control and movement of material.
* Supporting the safe handling and care of collections, and working with
colleagues to identify material that may require specialist conservation
treatment.
* Contributing to the security of collections and working in accordance with
relevant procedures and guidance.

 

Outreach, engagement and learning

The Library is committed to enabling a wide range of audiences to discover and
enjoy its collections. The postholder will contribute to activities that promote
understanding and access.

This may include:

* Supporting exhibitions, displays and other public engagement activities.
* Contributing content for blogs, social media, research guides or other
digital channels.
* Assisting with tours, events, learning activities and group visits.

 

Professional development

The Library encourages colleagues to develop their knowledge and skills and to
contribute to a culture of continuous learning.

You will be expected to:

* Develop knowledge of the Library’s collections, catalogues and services.
* Participate in training and continuing professional development
opportunities.
* Contribute ideas that help improve services, access and the visitor
experience.

 

General responsibilities

* Work in accordance with Library policies, relevant legislation, professional
standards and established in-house procedures.
* Contribute to a working environment characterised by respect, collaboration,
compassion, integrity and a shared commitment to excellent service.
* Promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture in relation to children
and vulnerable adults.
* Undertake other duties reasonably required and consistent with the nature and
level of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for someone who enjoys helping people, works accurately,
collaborates effectively with colleagues, and takes pride in delivering
excellent customer service. This role would suit someone with an interest in
archives, libraries, special collections or cultural heritage, and an ambition
to develop a career in archives and libraries, who is keen to contribute to
making important collections accessible to a wide range of readers, researchers
and visitors.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

* The ability to research, evaluate and communicate information clearly, and to
work methodically with complex information while applying agreed procedures
and standards. This may have been gained through higher education, employment
or other relevant experience.
* Experience of working in a customer-focused or public-facing environment,
with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to provide
a high standard of service to a wide range of people.
* Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing
priorities, work accurately and maintain attention to detail.
* Confidence using digital systems and office software, with the ability to
learn and use specialist collections and information management systems, and
to maintain accurate records using both digital and physical processes.
* The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, contributing
positively to a team environment and shared objectives.
* An interest in archives, libraries or cultural heritage, together with an
understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the principles of
collections care, access and security.

 

It would be an advantage if you also have:

* Experience of working in an archive, library, museum, gallery or similar
cultural or educational environment.
* Familiarity with archive management systems.
* Experience of contributing to exhibitions, events, learning activities,
blogs, social media or other public engagement activities.
* Knowledge of British history and an interest in church history.

 

Additional requirements and information

* Ability to handle collection material in a range of formats and physical
conditions, in accordance with relevant manual handling and health and safety
procedures.
* Willingness to participate in the Library’s Reading Room rota, helping to
support access to the collections through occasional evening and Saturday
working, up to 18 evenings and 12 Saturdays per year.
* The post of Archives Assistant is a permanent, full-time position based at
Lambeth Palace Library. The postholder will be required to work 35 hours per
week, with the role being office based.

Please note that you will not be able to view the role description after the
closing date. We suggest that you save a copy of this page before you submit
your application.

About the NCIs
The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions
and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England
in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation – a
church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.

We Include. You Belong.
Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims 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.

Living out our values in all that we do, we:
* Strive for Excellence
* Show Compassion
* Respect others
* Collaborate
* Act with Integrity

We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and
drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all
backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths
and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of
people who share our values.  Even if you have never thought about working for
us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would
like to hear from you.

We offer a highly competitive benefits package that supports your health,
wellbeing and long-term financial security. This includes annual leave starting
at 25 days’ plus bank holidays and three additional NCI days, family friendly
policies, a wellbeing cashback scheme, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice
scheme, a defined benefit pension with employer contributions of up to 18%, and
generous life assurance cover.

Use of AI in your application
We appreciate that you may want to use AI tools to help you with your
application. We’re happy for you to use AI to come up with ideas and help
structure your thoughts, but you shouldn’t use AI to fabricate information or
write your whole application for you. One of our values is integrity, and
although we want you to demonstrate your best self, we don’t want an
AI-generated persona. If you simply copy and paste AI-generated content into
your application, this will reduce your chances of success.