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- Tasks: Lead a team in digitising and preserving sound and moving image collections.
- Company: Join the British Library, a prestigious institution dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on audio-visual preservation while working with passionate experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in audio-visual collections and strong project management skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent position based in London.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 46800 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the British Library’s Technical Services experts, responsible primarily for the digitisation and preservation of the Library’s sound and moving image collections, and support for and maintenance of the underpinning audio-visual (AV) technology.
As the Head of Technical Services you will be responsible:
- for directing a team of managers of audio engineers, production coordinators and workflow managers who digitise and preserve audio and video recordings to agreed quality standards and targets;
- for overseeing staff who provide essential equipment maintenance and staff and external training;
- for ensuring that technical support is provided for curatorial specialists in the acquisition, playback and development of AV collections;
- for ensuring close working with other Library teams as necessary, including AV cataloguers, reading room services staff, exhibitions and web publishing;
- ensuring the department remains as an international centre of excellence in all aspects of AV preservation.
The successful candidate will have good people and project management skills, significant professional experience working with audio visual collections in a research library, archive or similar environment and have good communication skills. You will have good technical knowledge of historic and current audio and video formats and a deep knowledge of internationally accepted archival principles as they apply to audio material.
Closing Date: 26th July 2017
Interview Date: 18th August 2017
In order to apply for this vacancy, you must be able to supply the required answers to the following question: Do you currently have the right to work in the United Kingdom?
Head of Sound Archive Technical Services, 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 Head of Sound Archive Technical Services, British Library (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in audio-visual preservation. Attend workshops or webinars related to sound archiving to demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the audio-visual sector, especially those who work in libraries or archives. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage teams effectively. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led projects or teams in similar environments, as this will be crucial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the British Library's current sound archive projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress during interviews but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sound Archive Technical Services, British Library (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in managing audio-visual collections and technical services.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills in project management, team leadership, and technical knowledge of audio and video formats. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for audio-visual preservation and your vision for leading the Technical Services team. Mention how your background aligns with the British Library's goals.
Prepare for the Application Questions: Be ready to answer the question about your right to work in the UK clearly and confidently. Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready to support your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your knowledge of both historic and current audio and video formats during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific technologies you've worked with and how they relate to the preservation and digitisation processes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Technical Services, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of your previous leadership experiences, focusing on how you managed teams, resolved conflicts, and achieved project goals. This will show your capability to direct a diverse group effectively.
✨Understand Archival Principles
Familiarise yourself with internationally accepted archival principles, especially as they pertain to audio materials. Be ready to discuss how these principles guide your work and decision-making in the context of sound and moving image collections.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
The role requires close collaboration with various library teams. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with other departments or stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and ability to foster teamwork in achieving common objectives.
