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- Tasks: Support the Archives & Library team with daily tasks and engage with researchers.
- Company: Join the Paul Mellon Centre, a leading educational charity in British art history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, on-the-job training, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a vibrant environment while contributing to arts and heritage.
- Qualifications: Must have an undergraduate degree and a passion for archives or libraries.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term role based in London for twelve months.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 33000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for our next Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee) post at the Paul Mellon Centre (PMC). If you are interested in working with archives and library material, and are considering a career as an information management professional, then this twelve-month salaried position would suit you. The role is aimed at individuals wanting to gain experience before undertaking a professional qualification in archives or libraries.
Working alongside our other Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee), you will support work across our increasingly busy Archives & Library department. In this hands-on role, you will undertake a wide range of tasks and activities. You will receive on-the-job training across a variety of skills and become familiar with everyday work within a small, specialist archive and library. A key part of your role will involve helping researchers find the information they need. The post is situated within a small team of librarians and archivists and is particularly suited to someone who enjoys an audience-facing role.
We are looking for someone who is keen to work across the Archives & Library department and who enjoys engaging with researchers and the public. Alongside the existing Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee), and with support from professional Archives & Library staff, you will deliver front-of-house services in the Public Study Room, answer basic enquiries and deal with copying requests. You will gain experience in a range of basic library duties such as labelling books, ordering stock and helping with displays. You will assist with core archival and records management tasks such as box listing and reviewing born-digital material. This role would suit a graduate keen to pursue a career in archives, libraries or the information management professions. It requires someone with good communication skills who thrives on working with people. You will also need an enthusiasm for learning new skills, the capacity to undertake routine work and excellent attention to detail.
PMC is an educational charity that champions new ways of understanding British art history and culture, understood in its broadest context. We publish, teach and carry out research, both in London at the Centre and through our online platforms. Our archives, library and lively events programme are open to researchers, students and the public. PMC’s grants and fellowships enable institutions and individuals to pursue exhibitions, publications, events and scholarly projects. Through all areas of our work, we promote activities that enhance and expand knowledge about British art.
The salary for this role is £27,500. This is a fixed-term contract for twelve months. This post is a twelve-month full-time post and the hours of work are 35 per week, Monday–Friday. Applicants will be expected to work on-site at PMC, Bedford Square, London WC1. However, there may be occasional circumstances where applicants may be required to work off-site. We are happy to talk about flexible working arrangements offered by the Centre.
If these four statements are true you are eligible to apply:
- I have been awarded an undergraduate degree (i.e. the final grade has been awarded).
- I do not have a postgraduate degree (Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, Integrated Masters, or Doctorate), nor have I embarked on one now, or at any time in the past.
- I have a demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in the archives, library or information management professions.
- I have not previously held a graduate trainee post in any field.
This role is not suitable for someone interested in a career as a museum, gallery or heritage professional.
To apply for the role you will need to:
- have been awarded an undergraduate degree
- have excellent IT skills including a knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases
- have good oral and written communication skills
- be able to work to a high level of accuracy
- be committed to providing high standards of customer service
- have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the archives, library or information management professions
Further information including a full job description can be found on the Paul Mellon Centre website.
Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee) employer: PAUL MELLON CENTRE FOR STUDIES IN BRITISH ART
Contact Detail:
PAUL MELLON CENTRE FOR STUDIES IN BRITISH ART Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Paul Mellon Centre's collections and services. Understanding their archives and library resources will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former trainees if possible. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and what skills are most valued, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with the public. Since this role involves front-of-house services, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with customers or researchers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your attention to detail through practical examples. Whether it's a project from your studies or a volunteer experience, highlight how you ensured accuracy and quality in your work.
We think you need these skills to ace Archives & Library Assistant (Graduate Trainee)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Archives & Library Assistant. Emphasise any previous work or volunteer experiences related to archives, libraries, or information management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation. Mention specific aspects of the Paul Mellon Centre that attract you, and explain how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this role.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role involves engaging with researchers and the public, be sure to provide examples in your application that demonstrate your strong communication skills, both written and oral.
Showcase Your Interest: In your application, express your genuine interest in pursuing a career in archives, libraries, or information management. Include any relevant projects, volunteering, or coursework that reflects this passion.
How to prepare for a job interview at PAUL MELLON CENTRE FOR STUDIES IN BRITISH ART
✨Show Your Passion for Archives and Libraries
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with archives and library materials. Share any relevant experiences, such as volunteering or projects that demonstrate your interest in information management.
✨Prepare for Audience-Facing Scenarios
Since the role involves engaging with researchers and the public, think of examples where you've successfully communicated or assisted others. Be ready to discuss how you would handle common enquiries or requests in a library setting.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
This position requires excellent attention to detail, especially when dealing with archival tasks. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your meticulousness made a difference in your work or studies.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Skills
As the role requires good IT skills, be prepared to talk about your experience with Microsoft Office applications and databases. You might even want to mention any specific software you've used in previous roles or projects.
