At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to catalogue audio recordings and manage data for a major preservation project.
- Company: The British Library is a world-renowned institution dedicated to preserving the nation's intellectual heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days holiday, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful project that enhances access to sound heritage and supports cultural preservation.
- Qualifications: Experience in cataloguing and data handling is essential; knowledge of audio formats is a plus.
- Other info: This role is part of a Heritage Lottery funded project with a fixed term of 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
A vacancy has arisen for an Audio Project Cataloguer to work at the British Library on the major preservation and access project Unlocking Our Sound Heritage, which is part of the British Library’s wider Save Our Sounds programme. The project will digitally preserve almost half a million sound recordings, make it easier for people to discover and access them, and establish a network of ten audio archiving centres across the UK.
For this role, we are looking for someone with a broad experience of cataloguing, strong data handling skills and a good understanding of audio formats. Routine work will include cataloguing audio recordings and editing metadata in SIPs (Submission Information Packages). For this particular role within the existing team of Audio Project Cataloguers, there will be a focus on handling the data issued from the recently established network of archiving centres for the Unlocking Our Sound Heritage project, supporting the migration of that data to the British Library’s Sound And Moving Image catalogue.
Ideally we are looking for an individual with knowledge that complements the sound recording collections that are being preserved and described for Unlocking Our Sound Heritage. Although an undergraduate or postgraduate degree may indicate this, practical experience and background will certainly be taken into account, and working knowledge of a foreign language will also be considered an asset.
Please ensure you explain how you meet each of the Minimum Requirements (Essential) listed in the job profile when applying for this post. This post is part of a Heritage Lottery funded project.
In return we offer a competitive salary and a number of excellent benefits. Our pension scheme is one of the most valuable benefits we offer, as our staff can become members of the Alpha Pension Scheme where the Library contributes 20.9%. Another significant benefit the Library provides is the provision of a flexible working hours scheme which could allow you to work your hours flexibly over the week and to take up to 5 days flexi leave in a 3 month period. This is on top of 25 days holiday from entry and public and privilege holidays.
We are a Disability Confident employer, and make a commitment to recruit and support disabled people. We guarantee an interview for disabled candidates who meet the minimum (essential) requirements for a vacancy.
Audio Project Cataloguer for British Library, London employer: International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
Contact Detail:
International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Audio Project Cataloguer for British Library, London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Library's Unlocking Our Sound Heritage project. Understanding its goals and the types of audio formats involved will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the audio archiving field. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in audio cataloguing, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data handling skills, especially related to metadata editing. Being able to discuss specific tools or software you’ve used for cataloguing audio recordings can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any foreign language skills, be prepared to highlight them. The job description mentions that this is an asset, so think of examples where your language skills could enhance your work in audio cataloguing.
We think you need these skills to ace Audio Project Cataloguer for British Library, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Audio Project Cataloguer position. Make notes on key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in cataloguing, data handling, and audio formats. Ensure it reflects how your background complements the sound recording collections mentioned in the job profile.
Address Minimum Requirements: In your application, explicitly explain how you meet each of the essential minimum requirements listed in the job profile. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also connects your passion for audio preservation with the goals of the Unlocking Our Sound Heritage project. Show enthusiasm for the British Library's mission and how you can contribute.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
✨Know Your Audio Formats
Familiarise yourself with various audio formats and their cataloguing requirements. Being able to discuss specific formats and their uses will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your background, focus on any practical experience you have in cataloguing or data handling. Be prepared to give examples of past projects that relate to audio preservation or archiving.
✨Understand the Project's Goals
Research the 'Unlocking Our Sound Heritage' project and its objectives. Showing that you understand the importance of preserving sound recordings and making them accessible will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about metadata editing and data migration processes. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain how you would approach these tasks in the context of the British Library's systems.