At a Glance
- Tasks: Unlock the National Trust Sound Archive by cataloguing recordings and enhancing their discoverability.
- Company: Join the National Trust and British Library in a unique research partnership.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive stipend, travel expenses, and gain hands-on experience in digital audio archives.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible working environment with opportunities for site visits and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving oral history while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Current PhD student with an interest in oral history and archival work.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 21000 £ per year.
The National Trust and the British Library invite applications from current PhD students for a three-month doctoral fellowship working on the National Trust Sound Archive, as part of our ongoing research partnership. The National Trust Sound Archive is the second largest oral history collection held at the British Library, consisting of more than 1,700 items recorded from the 1980s to the present day by 157 National Trust properties.
The collection is frequently requested by onsite researchers at the Library, but a significant amount of work is required to enhance discoverability and reusability of the interviews. In particular, work is needed to investigate and ascertain the full copyright status of 1,300 of the 1,700 recordings in the collection, and to review the interviews for sensitivities under GDPR before access conditions can be determined.
The aim of this project is for a student to undertake the necessary work for the recordings belonging to a minimum of three National Trust properties to be catalogued with enhanced metadata and the rights status ascertained. These ‘case study’ properties have been selected based on the likelihood of their generating a high number of recordings that can be cleared and catalogued, so that the student’s work on them will have immediate and demonstrable results.
The student will also work with the Trust and Library colleagues to plan a strategy to roll out the approach to sets of interviews in the collection recorded by other Trust properties. The fellowship will be hosted at the British Library, offering the student hands-on experience of working with digital audio archives. The student will work closely with colleagues at the Trust and conduct site visits to properties, where appropriate, to benefit from the expertise of staff and volunteers in the history of the properties and the oral history collection.
Further information and details of how to apply are available on the National Trust website.
- Post location: The majority of this placement will be on site at the British Library’s St. Pancras site, with provision for home and hybrid working and some site visits to National Trust properties in London, the South East and the Midlands.
- Post Duration: 3 months full time, 6 months part time.
- Salary (per year pro rata): The appointed fellow will receive a stipend equivalent to the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend (plus London weighting), as well as reasonable expenses for any fellowship-related travel.
- Post Commencement Date: September 2026.
National Trust-British Library Fellowship: Unlocking the National Trust Sound Archive employer: Oral History Society
The National Trust and the British Library offer a unique opportunity for PhD students to engage in meaningful research through the National Trust-British Library Fellowship. This role not only provides hands-on experience with digital audio archives but also fosters a collaborative work culture, allowing fellows to connect with experts and gain insights from both organisations. With flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a tangible impact on the accessibility of oral history collections, this fellowship is an excellent stepping stone for those looking to advance their academic careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Trust-British Library Fellowship: Unlocking the National Trust Sound Archive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past fellows, and connect with professionals in the field. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the National Trust and British Library. Know their values, projects, and recent news. This shows your genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers to what they care about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for this fellowship. Highlight your skills, experiences, and passion for oral history and digital archives in a way that resonates with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace National Trust-British Library Fellowship: Unlocking the National Trust Sound Archive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for the National Trust Sound Archive! Share why this project excites you and how your background aligns with the fellowship. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience, especially any work with oral history or digital archives. We want to see how your skills fit the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Keep it engaging and concise, explaining how your research interests align with the fellowship's goals. Remember, we’re looking for clarity and passion!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oral History Society
✨Know Your Archive
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust Sound Archive before the interview. Understand its significance, the types of recordings it holds, and any recent projects or initiatives related to it. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your research experience, especially if it relates to oral history or archival work. Highlight specific methodologies you've used and how they could apply to the fellowship's goals, such as enhancing discoverability and assessing copyright status.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the fellowship, the team you'll be working with, and the challenges they face. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the role is right for you.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with colleagues at both the National Trust and the British Library, highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects, particularly in academic or research settings.
