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- Tasks: Catalogue historical materials and write engaging blogs to share with new audiences.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading cultural institution.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in a vibrant environment, and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Why this job: Be part of preserving Gulf history and making it accessible to everyone.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for extension and opportunities for outreach activities.
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 (IOR&PP) 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.
You will have a postgraduate archive qualification or equivalent experience, substantial 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.
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract post until the 31 October 2026, with the potential to be extended to late December 2026. Due to the nature of the role responsibilities, a large proportion of your time will be spent working on-site at St Pancras.
Gulf History Cataloguing Archivist & Blogger employer: BRITISH LIBRARY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH LIBRARY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gulf History Cataloguing Archivist & Blogger
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the archival field, especially those who have experience with Gulf history. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your cataloguing work and any blog posts you've written. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations that interest you, even if they’re not advertising positions. Express your passion for Gulf history and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a dedicated portal for job applications, making it easier for us to find your application and get in touch. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Gulf History Cataloguing Archivist & Blogger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your archival cataloguing experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your palaeography skills and attention to detail!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention your passion for Gulf history and how you can contribute to our cataloguing team. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position and not just sending out generic applications.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Know Your Archives
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the India Office Records and Private Papers. Familiarise yourself with the types of materials you'll be cataloguing and any relevant standards in archival cataloguing. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the subject matter.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since you'll have the chance to write blogs, prepare a couple of writing samples that demonstrate your ability to contextualise historical material. Think about how you can engage new audiences and make the content accessible. This will highlight your communication skills and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role involves teamwork, so be ready to discuss your previous experiences working collaboratively. Share examples of how you've contributed to team projects, especially in an archival or museum context. Emphasising your ability to work well with others will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Given the nature of the job, accuracy is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you ensure precision in your work, perhaps by sharing specific techniques or tools you use. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.