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- Tasks: Manage and enhance access to our Hardcopy Collection of books and journals.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, private medical insurance, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of preserving academic heritage and enabling access to knowledge.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, organisational skills, and experience in data entry preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; apply by 30th October!
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 31800 £ per year.
Base pay range
Job Title: Library and Archive Controller
Salary: £25,200 – £31,800
Location: Cambridge / Office-based (4-5 days per week in the office)
Contract: Permanent/Full Time (35 hours per week)
We are seeking a Library and Archive Controller to join our dynamic Content Services team, where you will play a key role in managing our Hardcopy Collection of Cambridge books and journals. This diverse role combines administrative and data-driven responsibilities, supporting the maintenance and enhancement of access to both our physical and digital collections. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation, providing operational support, responding to enquiries, and contributing to research services that inform strategic decisions and projects.
About The Role
As the Library and Archive Controller, you\’ll be responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the Hardcopy Collection. This role combines operational precision with a focus on service and process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing book orders from the warehouse and receiving new books and journal publications
- Shelving items and tracking their location using the designated system
- Acting as the primary contact for requests, handling enquiries, loans, and returns
- Maintaining collection integrity by sourcing missing items and managing surplus stock appropriately
- Ensuring compliance with Hardcopy Collection policies and maintaining supporting documentation and workflows
- Receiving, analysing, and logging journal archive metadata to support digitisation
- Coordinating shipments to and from suppliers for scanning, and arranging returns post-digitisation
- Processing invoices related to journal digitisation and maintaining accurate records
Candidate Profile
You\’ll be joining a small, collaborative team within Content Services, where your contributions will play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing access to our Hardcopy Collection. This is a role where you\’ll work independently and proactively on-site, while also collaborating with colleagues and seeking guidance when needed.
We\’re looking for someone who is passionate about preserving academic heritage and enabling access to knowledge. You\’ll be part of a team that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
You\’ll Bring
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Strong prioritisation and organisational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- A solid grasp of Excel functionality
- Initiative and the ability to work unsupervised, while knowing when to collaborate
- A creative and practical approach to problem-solving
- Experience in data entry, stock control, and content retrieval
- Familiarity with databases (experience is advantageous)
- Experience in library or academic library environments (preferred but not essential)
Rewards And Benefits
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Group personal pension scheme
- Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
- Green travel schemes
We are a hybrid working organisation, and we offer a range of flexible working options from day one. We expect most hybrid-working colleagues to spend 40–60% of their time at their dedicated office or location. We will also consider other work arrangements if you wish to work more flexibly or require adjustments due to a disability.
Ready to pursue your potential? Apply now.
Application closing date: 30th October.
Interviews will take place week commencing 10th November.
Successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker Visa route as it does not meet the minimum skill requirements.
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Library and Archive Controller employer: Free-Work UK
Contact Detail:
Free-Work UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Archive Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the library and archive sector, especially those at Cambridge or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our mission of preserving academic heritage.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around your attention to detail and organisational skills. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios related to managing collections.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Archive Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Library and Archive Controller role. Highlight your attention to detail, organisational skills, and any relevant experience in library or academic environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for preserving academic heritage and how you can contribute to our Content Services team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your problem-solving skills and initiative.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves managing data and using Excel, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with databases, data entry, or stock control. We want to see how you can bring your analytical skills to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Free-Work UK
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Hardcopy Collection. Familiarise yourself with the types of books and journals they manage. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you answer questions about how you would handle specific tasks related to the collection.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with data entry and stock control. Think of examples where you've successfully managed collections or inventories. Highlight your attention to detail and how it has positively impacted your previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves responding to enquiries and collaborating with colleagues, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills by discussing past experiences where effective communication was key to success.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of a few scenarios where you faced challenges in a library or archive setting. Be ready to explain how you approached these problems creatively and practically. This will showcase your initiative and ability to work independently while knowing when to seek help.