Archive Library Assistant in Hertford

Our vision is to deliver high-quality heritage services that inspire discovery and lifelong learning, offering opportunities for people of all ages to explore, understand, and enjoy the histories that shape Hertfordshire. We aim to reflect the county's diverse people, communities and places, strengthen a shared sense of place and support creative health and wellbeing by providing access to authentic, trusted information and original records. As we move forward with plans for a refreshed Shared Heritage Strategy, including a move to a purpose-built archive, we are exploiting technology to improve services, progress digital online resources, and work in partnership to increase access and learning opportunities.

About the role: You will be required to work some Saturdays and Tuesday evenings, typically the first Saturday and Tuesday evening of the month. Both roles support HALS public service, but the fixed-term ALA role also includes dedicated time to work on preparing the collections to be relocated safely and securely.

• Providing high-quality customer service, including responding to enquiries both in person and remotely, ensuring customer care standards are met.
• Supporting customer service through completion of administrative tasks such as recording user statistics, and projects such as digitisation of collection documents.
• Retrieving books and documents from storage areas, involving manual handling and driving a leased van to retrieve off-site items.
• Assisting with collecting and processing archive and local studies materials, using catalogues and indexes.
• Contributing to promotional events, including group visits and occasional out-of-hours activity.
• Providing support for volunteers.
• Using ICT to provide services to customers and carry out collections work, including assisting with digitisation work to photograph, scan, process and preserve archive material.
• Demonstrating flexibility, remaining calm under pressure and prioritising workload.

Move preparation project: The role will include dedicated time focused on developing plans for new premises for Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies’ collections and services and preparing for a future move. Additional tasks include:

• Information and records survey.
• Organising, packaging, re-packing and labelling collections.
• Updating information on the collections management system.
• Other clerical tasks.
• Liaison with archivists over document appraisal and retention, and with the conservator over packaging and preservation needs.
• Involved in community-facing activities relating to the move project, such as gathering data on customer usage, contacting depositors and supporting focus groups.
• There will be occasional out-of-office hours events.

Essential:

• Friendly and confident, able to work in a public facing role in a busy search room with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills in person, by telephone and in writing; fluent in spoken English.
• Competent using computer software such as Microsoft Office, the internet and other computer-based information resources, and able to support and advise members of the public in their use of IT.
• Organised and methodical, with strong attention to detail and ability to sort items in alphabetical and numerical order.
• Able to lift and carry awkward and heavy items; specialist equipment will be provided.
• Able to promote the service at events both onsite and around the county.
• Flexible and able to use initiative and work effectively without direct supervision.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be able to drive a leased vehicle to retrieve documents from out-stores and elsewhere.

Desirable:

• Interest in and knowledge of archives, and local or family history.
• Experience of cash handling.
• Experience of customer service.

This post offers the opportunity to learn about our fascinating collections from 1060 to the present. You will enjoy helping customers and supporting access to our unique collections in both the archive reading room and local studies library. You will be able to promote the service and assist with learning events. This role is at an exciting and challenging time, preparing the collection to be relocated safely and securely while continuing to deliver the service to Hertfordshire residents.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK and can provide established proof of right to work. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time. Driving is required. You will need the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car.

English fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose primary language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the required standard of fluency will be required.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.