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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic library team and manage college archives.
- Company: Join Magdalen College, one of Oxford's largest and most prestigious colleges.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant academic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of academic life, supporting students and researchers with valuable resources.
- Qualifications: Must have an undergraduate degree and professional librarianship qualification, plus relevant experience.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role, fixed term until July 2026.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 61000 £ per year.
Magdalen College is looking to recruit a College Librarian (maternity cover). This is a fixed term post until July 2026, expected to commence towards the end of May 2025. The salary range is Grade 8 of the College Pay Scale (£46,735 to £60,907) depending on skills and experience, plus Oxford University Weighting £1500 per annum.
Magdalen is one of the largest colleges in Oxford with a very strong and exciting academic profile. The College Librarian leads the team responsible for the running of the college’s libraries, comprising the College Librarian, Deputy Librarian, Senior Assistant Librarian, Special Collections Librarian and Library Assistant. The Library is at the heart of the college’s academic life and the remit of the library team is to provide a high quality library service to the students, academics and staff of the college community as well as to make our research and special collections available to external researchers. The Librarian also has oversight of the College’s Archives.
Applicants should have:
- At least an undergraduate degree, complemented by a professional qualification in Librarianship.
- Significant experience of working in academic libraries of a similar size to Magdalen’s.
- Proven experience of managing a large team and of direct report line management in a library and archive setting.
- Experience of organising and participating in committee meetings and of providing expert advice and making recommendations through briefings, presentations and written reports.
- Significant experience of working with and expertise in special collections, specifically Western medieval manuscripts and early printed books.
- Project management skills including liaison with external suppliers; acquisitions, budgets, and stock control experience.
- Experience of cataloguing and library management systems, preferably ALMA.
The College particularly welcomes applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Candidates. Magdalen College is an equal opportunities employer.
College Librarian (maternity cover) employer: Magdalen College
Contact Detail:
Magdalen College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land College Librarian (maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Magdalen College's library services and their unique collections. Understanding their specific needs and how you can contribute will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former librarians from academic institutions, especially those who have experience in managing large teams. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management skills in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, acquisitions, and liaised with external suppliers in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your expertise in special collections, particularly Western medieval manuscripts and early printed books. Consider preparing a brief presentation or report on a relevant topic to showcase your knowledge during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace College Librarian (maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the College Librarian position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Magdalen College is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant experience in academic libraries, team management, and expertise in special collections. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities in these areas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for library services and your understanding of the academic environment at Magdalen College. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the college's academic life.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in librarianship.
How to prepare for a job interview at Magdalen College
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in academic libraries, especially any experience managing teams. Highlight specific examples of how you've led a library team and the impact it had on service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Special Collections
Since the role requires expertise in special collections, brush up on Western medieval manuscripts and early printed books. Be ready to discuss your experience with these materials and how you would manage them at Magdalen College.
✨Prepare for Committee Discussions
The position involves participating in committee meetings, so think about your past experiences in similar settings. Prepare to share how you've contributed to discussions and decision-making processes in your previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ALMA
As familiarity with library management systems like ALMA is preferred, take some time to understand its functionalities. If you have experience with it, be ready to discuss how you've used it to improve library operations.
