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- Tasks: Gain hands-on library management and cataloguing experience while working on exciting projects.
- Company: Join Kew's Main Library, a hub of knowledge and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your librarianship career with valuable experience and support for further studies.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree (2:1 or above) and some library experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29692 - 29692 £ per year.
Based in Kew’s Main Library, the Library Graduate Traineeship provides the library management and cataloguing experience needed by graduates embarking on a professional librarianship qualification. Over the course of the two years, the trainee will catalogue new acquisitions, staff the Enquiry Desk, compile library usage statistics, undertake project work with the library and art collections, assist in the maintenance of the collections and promote the library via social media.
This position is designed to enable the successful candidate to go on to a future postgraduate course in librarianship or information science, therefore the candidate should be planning to start this course after, or possibly by long-distance study during, the graduate traineeship.
Candidates must have a good relevant degree, 2:1 and above or equivalent. Candidates should not be already professionally qualified. Candidates should not have already undertaken a Graduate Traineeship, an equivalent trainee year, or have more than one year’s full-time library experience. Candidates should have some experience of working or volunteering in a library. Whilst a biological science background is desirable, it is not essential and other subjects are acceptable, e.g. history, English literature, art history, etc.
Interviews are due to take place week commencing 8th June. This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements. The salary for this position is £29,692 per annum [Band B].
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Library Graduate Trainee employer: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Contact Detail:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Graduate Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former library trainees and professionals in the field. They can offer insights, advice, and maybe even a foot in the door for opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for libraries! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, share your experiences and what excites you about librarianship. Let them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Kew’s Main Library and think about how your skills can contribute to their projects. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Graduate Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Library Graduate Traineeship. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in libraries or related fields, and don’t forget to mention your degree classification. We want to see how your background fits with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about librarianship and how this traineeship aligns with your career goals. We love seeing enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase any skills that are relevant to the role, like cataloguing, customer service, or social media promotion. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic benefits package there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Make sure you brush up on library management and cataloguing basics. Familiarise yourself with the specific systems and tools used in libraries, especially if you have experience volunteering or working in one. This will show your passion for the role and your readiness to dive into the tasks.
✨Show Off Your Social Media Skills
Since promoting the library via social media is part of the job, think about how you can leverage platforms to engage the community. Prepare examples of any past experiences where you've successfully used social media, whether for a project or personal initiative, to demonstrate your creativity and understanding of digital engagement.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the traineeship, the team you'll be working with, and the projects you might undertake. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals in librarianship.
✨Highlight Your Relevant Experience
Even if your background isn't strictly biological sciences, focus on any relevant skills or experiences from your degree or previous roles. Whether it's research skills from history or analytical skills from English literature, make sure to connect those dots during your interview to showcase your versatility.