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- Tasks: Join our cataloguing team to digitise and contextualise historical materials.
- Company: The British Library is the UK's national library, housing over 170 million items.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days holiday, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making history accessible and engaging for everyone.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience required, with strong attention to detail.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to enhance our inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The British Library leads and collaborates in growing the world\’s knowledge base. We are engaged in a major partnership with the Qatar Foundation and the Qatar National Library to digitise and make available material relating to the history of the Gulf and Arabic scientific manuscripts. We are a multi-disciplinary programme that includes retrieval, conservation, content specialists, curators and cataloguers, translation, rights clearance, imaging, and workflow staff.
The partnership is currently in its fourth phase. We will be delivering an additional 675,000 searchable and contextualised digital images, made freely available via the dedicated portal at and selected from the library\’s archive collections, including the India Office Records and Private Papers, Sound, Maps and Arabic Manuscript collections.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Programme\’s cataloguing team. You will be responsible for cataloguing material from the India Office Records and Private Papers (IOR&PP) relating to the history of the Gulf, writing blogs to contextualise the material and present it to new audiences, and contributing to project outreach, including participating in tours and show and tells.
You will have a postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience, knowledge and experience of archival cataloguing and relevant standards, palaeography skills, the ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail, the ability to work to deadlines, teamwork and strong communication and IT skills.
We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items in a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.
What we can offer you
– A competitive salary.
– A fantastic pension scheme with minimum employer contributions of 28.97% (this may be higher dependent on grade).
– Flexible working hours, with the ability to take up to 5 days flexi leave in a 3-month period.
– 25 days holiday
– Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits page.
Closing date: 31 August 2025
Interview date: 22 September 2025
If you have any questions, please contact: (email protected)
We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. We would like to increase the representation of these groups within The British Library to ensure our workforce is as diverse as the public that we serve. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.
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Content Specialist, Archivist employer: BRITISH LIBRARY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH LIBRARY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Content Specialist, Archivist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific archival cataloguing standards and practices relevant to the British Library. Understanding their methodologies will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the British Library's existing digital collections, especially those related to the Gulf and Arabic manuscripts. This will give you insights into their work and allow you to discuss specific projects during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the British Library through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights about the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your palaeography skills by reviewing relevant materials and possibly even practising transcription. Being able to demonstrate this skill in a practical way could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Content Specialist, Archivist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Content Specialist, Archivist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience. Include specific examples of your archival cataloguing work, palaeography skills, and any relevant projects that demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of The British Library. Mention your interest in digitising historical materials and engaging new audiences through blogs and outreach activities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your CV and cover letter are clear, concise, and professionally formatted to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Showcase Your Archival Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific archival cataloguing standards and how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since accuracy is crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous work. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure precise cataloguing.
✨Engage with the Project's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the British Library's partnership with the Qatar Foundation and the significance of the digitisation project. Be ready to express your enthusiasm for contributing to the outreach efforts and how you can help present the material to new audiences.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
As teamwork is essential for this position, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you communicate effectively within a team and contribute to achieving common goals.