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- Tasks: Catalogue historical materials and write engaging blogs to share with new audiences.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to preserving and sharing cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Full-time contract with potential extension, working in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make history accessible while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for outreach activities and tours to engage the public.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 www.qdl.qa 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 primarily for cataloguing material from the India Office Records and Private Papers relating to the history of the Gulf. There will also be opportunities to write blogs to contextualise the material and present it to new audiences, and to contribute to project outreach, including participating in occasional tours and show-and-tells.
Responsibilities- Catalogue material from the India Office Records and Private Papers relating to the history of the Gulf
- Write blogs to contextualise the material and present it to new audiences
- Contribute to project outreach, including participating in occasional tours and show-and-tells
- Postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience
- Substantial knowledge and experience of archival cataloguing and relevant standards
- Palaeography skills
- High accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Teamwork and strong communication skills
- Strong IT skills
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract until 31 October 2026, with the potential to be extended to late December 2026. Due to the nature of the role, a large proportion of your time will be spent working on-site at St Pancras.
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
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the archival field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can help you connect with others who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your cataloguing work and any blogs you've written. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table, and we can help you set it up.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. We suggest you come armed with questions about their current initiatives, especially those related to the India Office Records, to show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Content Specialist Archivist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in archival cataloguing and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your palaeography skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our cataloguing team. Remember, we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since you'll be writing blogs to contextualise material, include samples of your writing if possible. This will help us see your ability to engage new audiences and present information clearly and creatively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Know Your Archives
Familiarise yourself with the India Office Records and Private Papers before the interview. Understanding the historical context and significance of these collections will show your passion and preparedness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with archival cataloguing and relevant standards. Prepare specific examples that highlight your attention to detail and accuracy, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain complex archival concepts or how you would engage new audiences through blogs and outreach.
✨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work in a team. Share experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, especially in projects involving outreach or tours, as this will demonstrate your fit within the cataloguing team.