Librarian in London

Librarian in London

London Full-Time 33538 - 33538 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hachette UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support access to Shakespeare's collections through cataloguing and public engagement.
  • Company: Join the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, a cultural hub on the River Thames.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from under-represented groups.
  • Why this job: Engage with literature and help diverse audiences explore Shakespeare's legacy.
  • Qualifications: Degree in library science or equivalent experience; library work experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 33538 - 33538 £ per year.

Support access to one of the world’s most renowned Shakespeare collections through cataloguing, research support and public engagement. Shakespeare’s Globe is a world‑renowned performing arts venue, cultural attraction and education centre located on the bank of the River Thames in London. Shakespeare’s Globe is currently seeking a Librarian on a permanent full‑time basis.

The Library & Archive team manages the Globe’s extensive collections of books, manuscripts, performance records and organisational archives that document the Globe's history and Shakespeare scholarship. The department provides research support for Globe productions and educational programmes whilst maintaining public access to our collections.

The Librarian will be part of a team comprising a Library & Archive Manager, Collections Manager, Digital Archivist, Archivist, and Library & Archive Co-ordinator, supporting both internal research needs and external researchers, students, and members of the public.

The role: To catalogue and support access to Shakespeare's Globe Library collections, ensuring our resources serve diverse audiences and break down barriers to cultural participation. You will lead on helping people engage with our library collections by creating welcoming, inclusive pathways for scholars, students, artists, and members of the public to explore and critically examine Shakespeare’s living legacy. This role combines hands‑on collection management to catalogue and develop our library collections for the future, with proactive outreach as we work to position the Globe's Library & Archive as a community resource that reflects and serves the full spectrum of voices engaging with Shakespeare's work today.

The skills:

  • An accredited degree or postgraduate qualification in library and information science, or equivalent qualification, or experience that supports the skills and abilities required.
  • Experience of working in a library.
  • Knowledge or experience of cataloguing standards such as MARC21, AARC2, Dublin Core and RDA.
  • Knowledge of cataloguing software packages and current technological innovations in librarianship and information management.
  • Rare books curatorial/management experience and/or knowledge.
  • Special Collections curatorial/management experience and/or knowledge.
  • Ability to work to a high level of accuracy and to tight deadlines.
  • Good communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with people at all levels.
  • Good attention to detail.
  • Good teamworking skills.
  • Awareness of copyright legislation.

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Women, the Global Majority, LGBTQA+, those with a disability, and neurodiverse conditions are particularly encouraged to apply. We also welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented in the creative industries.

Librarian in London employer: Hachette UK

Shakespeare's Globe is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion while providing meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Located on the picturesque banks of the River Thames in London, employees benefit from access to one of the world's most renowned Shakespeare collections, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity and scholarship thrive. Join our dedicated Library & Archive team to make a lasting impact on cultural participation and community engagement.

Hachette UK

Contact Details:

Hachette UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Librarian in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the library and archive sector, especially those connected to Shakespeare’s Globe. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for Shakespeare! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for the collections and how you envision engaging diverse audiences. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your cataloguing knowledge and current trends in librarianship. Be ready to discuss your experience with MARC21, AARC2, and other standards. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but also up-to-date with the latest in the field!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Shakespeare’s Globe. Don’t forget to mention you found the role via Creative Access – it helps us track our outreach efforts!

We think you need these skills to ace Librarian in London

Library and Information Science
Cataloguing Standards (MARC21, AARC2, Dublin Core, RDA)
Cataloguing Software Packages
Technological Innovations in Librarianship
Rare Books Management
Special Collections Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Shakespeare:When writing your application, let your love for Shakespeare and his works shine through. Share any personal experiences or projects that connect you to the Globe's mission, as this will help us see your enthusiasm for the role.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your library experience and any specific skills related to cataloguing standards like MARC21 or RDA. We want to know how your background aligns with the needs of our Library & Archive team.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us understand your qualifications without getting lost in complex wording.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Shakespeare’s Globe.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK

Know Your Shakespeare

Brush up on your knowledge of Shakespeare and his works. Familiarise yourself with the Globe's collections and how they relate to his legacy. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.

Showcase Your Cataloguing Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with cataloguing standards like MARC21 and RDA. Bring examples of how you've used these in previous roles, and be ready to explain how you would apply them to the Globe's collections.

Demonstrate Inclusivity

Think about ways to make library resources accessible to diverse audiences. Share ideas on how you would create welcoming pathways for different groups to engage with the collections, highlighting your commitment to breaking down barriers in cultural participation.

Teamwork is Key

Since you'll be part of a collaborative team, emphasise your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with others in past roles, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the Library & Archive team's goals.