At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and manage archive projects while supervising staff and volunteers.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire Archives, a leader in preserving local history and promoting community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with opportunities for progression and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with occasional weekend work and great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others explore and enjoy Hertfordshire's rich heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in archives, strong customer care skills, and proficiency in ICT.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 31022 € per year.
Starting Salary: £27,694 opportunity to progress to £31,022 per annum (pro rata for part time).
Hours: 1 x 29.6 hours Monday - Thursday & 1 x 18.5 hours Tuesday - Thursday.
Location: Hertford, Fixed base — majority of working hours will be onsite. Occasional travel.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Directorate: Resources.
About the team
As an accredited service, Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies preserves and promotes resources for the study of Hertfordshire past and present. 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, strengthening a shared sense of place and supporting creative health and wellbeing and provide access to authentic, trusted information and original records. As we move forward with plans for our refreshed ‘Shared Heritage Strategy’ including preparing for a move to a purpose-built archive, we will exploit technology to improve services; progress digital online resources and work in partnership to increase opportunities for access and learning.
About the role
This role is primarily customer‑facing, providing high‑quality customer service and involves responding to enquiries both in person and remotely, ensuring customer care standards are met and dealing with more complex enquiries. You will be responsible for supervising the reading rooms, supporting staff, customers and volunteers to provide high‑quality customer‑care. You will also supervise staff and volunteers to deliver projects as directed. You are the Duty Manager, compiling staff rotas and have experience of working with archives. You will accession archive deposits, and add information to the archive collection management system (CALM), as delegated by archivists. You will support the Learning and Access Officer with social media and promotional events, including group visits, family history advice sessions. This may include occasional out‑of‑hours activity and weekend working. You will assist in document retrieval from the archive stores. You will use ICT to provide services to customers and carry out collections work including assisting with digital projects and promotion and contribute to income generation through delivery of chargeable services.
About you – Essential
- Approachable and confident person, able to supervise a busy reading room and demonstrate excellent customer care.
- Good negotiation skills and the ability to manage difficult customers.
- Experience of working with archives, and a good working knowledge of relevant legislation and collection care.
- Able to use a range of printed, manuscript and online sources to carry out local and family history research.
- Able to sort in alphabetical and numerical order.
- Able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone and in writing to answer complex enquiries and promote the service, with the ability to converse fluently with members of the public and provide information in accurate spoken English.
- Confident in the use of ICT with an excellent working knowledge including Microsoft Office software, software for image capture and manipulation, and able to use archive collections management software to input archive accessions and catalogue data.
- Good knowledge of the principles of collection care.
- Remain calm under pressure and be able to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
- Important to use initiative and work effectively without direct supervision.
- Flexible and able to assist and deliver learning and community outreach activities to both adults and children as required to promote the service.
- Need to work regular weekends and evenings, and occasional events that take place out of hours.
- Lift and carry awkward and heavy items; specialist equipment such as trolleys will be provided.
- Can drive a leased vehicle to retrieve documents from the out stores and elsewhere.
About you – Desirable
- Experience of customer service.
- Interest in and knowledge of local and family history sources.
- Experience of cash handling.
- Knowledge of Archive Collection Management Systems e.g. CALM.
- Knowledge of Photoshop.
Additional information
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
DisabilityConfident
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.
Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
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.
Senior Archive Library Assistant in Hertford employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values heritage and community engagement. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to high-quality customer service, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the preservation of Hertfordshire's rich history. The role of Senior Archive Library Assistant not only allows for meaningful interactions with the public but also involves exciting projects that enhance access to local history, making it a rewarding position for those passionate about heritage.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Archive Library Assistant in Hertford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, their mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to archives and heritage. Building relationships can give us insider info and potentially a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and archive management. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Archive Library Assistant in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Archive Library Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of preserving Hertfordshire's history!
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is customer-facing, don’t forget to showcase your excellent customer care abilities. Share examples of how you've handled complex enquiries or managed difficult customers in the past – we love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Archives
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of archives and local history, especially related to Hertfordshire. Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and collection care principles, as this will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Customer Service Skills
Since this role is customer-facing, prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you managed difficult customers or complex enquiries, and be ready to discuss these experiences during the interview.
✨Showcase Your ICT Proficiency
Be prepared to talk about your experience with Microsoft Office and any archive collection management systems like CALM. If you have experience with image capture software or Photoshop, mention that too, as it’s a great way to demonstrate your technical skills.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
This role requires flexibility, so think of examples where you've adapted to changing situations or taken the initiative. Highlight your ability to work without direct supervision and how you prioritise tasks under pressure.
