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- Tasks: Lead the Library & Archives team to deliver engaging services and manage diverse collections.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group with a creative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research and learning in one of Scotland's largest libraries.
- Qualifications: Degree in Library Science or equivalent, with experience in managing library services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a historic setting.
The predicted salary is between 42765 - 46051 £ per year.
Full Time Salary: £42,765-£46,051 (further pay award pending)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world. As an organisation our values are Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative and Forward-thinking. We are looking for an enthusiastic and service-driven manager to join our Library and Archives team.
About the Library & Archives Manager role:
With the largest museum library collection in Scotland, our library and Archives team supports the research and learning needs of Museum staff, visitors, and the wider external research community with two publicly accessible library spaces - the Research Library in the National Museum of Scotland (our main reading room) and the National War Museum Library. Reporting to the Head of Collections Services, the new post holder will lead the Library & Archives team in the effective management, development, and delivery of library and Archives services to Museum staff and visitors, and online enquirers.
As the Library & Archives Manager at National Museums Scotland you will:
- Plan, promote and deliver customer-facing library and Archives services for National Museums Scotland, to meet the needs of target audiences.
- Develop, manage and catalogue the library collection, including special collections and Archives, implementing strategies to ensure research, business, and public engagement goals are met as appropriate.
- Effectively manage library and Archives collections and storage spaces to ensure most effective use of, and access to, resources.
- Be responsible for the development and management of National Museums Scotland’s Research Repository working collaboratively with external and internal stakeholders to develop and increase access to the Repository as appropriate.
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Library & Archives Manager:
- A degree and / or postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science, or equivalent
- High level of expertise in the use of electronic and printed information resources, tools and searching methodologies, including Open Access
- Experience of managing and developing a team, including through change
- Experience of managing and developing customer-focused library and Archives services
- Significant experience of managing acquisition budgets, and negotiating and delivering best value contracts with suppliers
- Significant experience of ensuring the delivery of electronic information resources, including the Research Repository
Please view relevant attachments for this role (available on our Careers Portal: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position.
The closing date for this role is 16/02/2026 (16 FEB 2026). The Selection Event is likely to take place 09/03/2026 (9 MAR 2026).
Library and Archives Manager employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library and Archives Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the library and archives sector, especially those connected to National Museums Scotland. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend events, make sure to express your enthusiasm for library and archives management. Let them know how you can contribute to their creative and inclusive values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in library services and digital repositories. Being knowledgeable about current practices will show that you're forward-thinking and ready to lead the Library & Archives team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the National Museums Scotland family.
We think you need these skills to ace Library and Archives Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Library & Archives Manager role. We want to see how you can bring our values of creativity, inclusivity, collaboration, and forward-thinking to life!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your past experiences in managing library services or teams. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their expertise in customer-focused library and archives services, so give us the details that make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements pop!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our careers portal. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the library and archives collections at National Museums Scotland. Understand their significance and how they support research and learning. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in leading through change, as this role requires a service-driven manager who can inspire and guide their team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Think about how you can enhance customer-facing services. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented in previous roles to improve user engagement and satisfaction, especially in library and archive settings.
✨Be Ready for Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Share specific instances where you've successfully partnered with others to achieve common goals, particularly in developing access to resources.
