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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: Must have a relevant degree (2:1 or above) and some library experience.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library and its collections before your interview. Familiarise yourself with Kew’s Main Library and think about how you can contribute to its mission. This shows genuine interest and helps us see you as a great fit!
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or past trainees if you can. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to shine during the selection process. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interview. Ask about the projects you might work on or how the library promotes its collections. This not only shows your interest but also helps us gauge your passion for librarianship.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Graduate Trainee in London
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: Don’t just list your skills; show us how you’ve used them! Whether it’s cataloguing, customer service at the Enquiry Desk, or social media promotion, give us examples of how you’ve applied these skills in real situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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, as well as current trends in librarianship. This will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Show Off Your Experience
Highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's from volunteering or working in a library. Be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've undertaken, like assisting at the Enquiry Desk or compiling statistics. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and commitment to the field.
✨Get Social Media Savvy
Since promoting the library via social media is part of the job, think about how you would approach this. Have some ideas ready on how to engage the community and attract visitors. This shows that you're proactive and understand the importance of outreach.
✨Plan for Your Future
Be clear about your plans for postgraduate study in librarianship or information science. Discuss how this traineeship fits into your career goals and what you hope to learn. This will convey your ambition and long-term commitment to the profession.