At a Glance
- Tasks: Digitise rare books and archival materials to create digital assets for public access.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to inspiring care for our planet through unique collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and discounts at shops and cafes.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making natural history accessible to millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in digitising special collections and knowledge of sector standards required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world. Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
The Natural History Museum’s Library and Archives (L&A) supports the mission and strategic objectives of the Museum by developing and facilitating access to one of the world's most comprehensive resources for current and historical natural history literature. The L&A collection is of institutional, national and international significance and complements the Museum’s specimen collections, supports curation and research, and contributes to the Museum’s public engagement and commercial activities.
We are looking for a skilled and proactive senior digitiser to image our special collection items, for example rare books, flat artworks and archival material, to create digital assets for uploading to dedicated NHM storage locations and L&A’s web-based discovery platform, Digitised Collections. You will be experienced in capturing associated metadata, expert in handling library special collections and/or archival material and knowledgeable about working to relevant sector standards and best practice to generate digital assets. The role offers a unique opportunity to work with an incredible collection and you will play a crucial part in making these collections openly available.
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What we offer:
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi.
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.
Closing date: 23:59 on 8th June. Interviews expected: w/c 16th June. Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
Library & Archives Senior Digitiser employer: National History Museum
Contact Detail:
National History Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library & Archives Senior Digitiser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Natural History Museum's collections and their significance. Understanding the context of the materials you'll be digitising will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for insightful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the library and archives sector, especially those who have experience with digitisation projects. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest digitisation technologies and best practices. Being knowledgeable about current trends and tools in digitisation will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to contribute effectively from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with metadata capture and archival material handling in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you've successfully implemented these skills, as this will showcase your expertise and suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Library & Archives Senior Digitiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Library & Archives Senior Digitiser position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience with digitising special collections, handling archival materials, and capturing metadata. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and how it relates to the Museum's mission.
Showcase Your Passion for Diversity: Since the Museum values diversity and inclusion, include a brief statement about your commitment to these principles. Share any experiences that illustrate your ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of a senior digitiser.
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Show Your Passion for Natural History
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for natural history and the role of the Museum. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your interest in the field, as this will resonate with the interviewers who are passionate about their mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Digitisation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with digitising special collections. Highlight specific techniques you’ve used, the equipment you’re familiar with, and any relevant sector standards you adhere to. This will show that you have the technical expertise required for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
In a role that involves handling rare books and archival material, attention to detail is crucial. Provide examples of how you've ensured accuracy in previous projects, particularly when capturing metadata or working with delicate items.
✨Align with Their Values on Diversity and Inclusion
Familiarise yourself with the Museum's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment and why it matters to you. This will demonstrate that you share their values and are a good cultural fit.