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- Tasks: Preserve and promote Surrey's rich heritage through managing local studies collections.
- Company: Join the dynamic Heritage team at Surrey History Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, pension, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while exploring local history.
- Qualifications: Professional library qualification or relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape local government services.
The predicted salary is between 20131 - 20131 £ per year.
As the Local Studies Librarian you will work alongside our archivists, conservator and heritage assistants in preserving Surrey's documentary past for present and future generations to explore and enjoy. You will be responsible for identifying new Local Studies material to enhance the collections and for cataloguing it to a professional standard so that people can easily discover the information they seek. You will also be responsible for stock management and security of the local studies collection. Through regular duty in our public searchroom, including occasional Saturday duties, you will guide visitors in using the collections, while ensuring their security and safe-handling. As the only librarian on the History Centre's staff, you will advise staff and visitors on current copyright legislation and will act as the point of contact with the wider library service. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of the collections through talks and social media.
Qualifications:
- A professional qualification in library and information studies or comparable experience
- Experience in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- A belief in the importance of local history to the promotion of community spirit and wellbeing
Application process:
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
- Please describe your experience of working in a library environment particularly in a local studies setting.
- Please describe your experience of cataloguing rare or unusual material in line with professional standards to ensure its ready discoverability by users.
- What do you imagine to be the challenges of working as the sole qualified librarian within a multi-disciplinary team and how would you overcome these?
- What is your experience of applying copyright legislation to the use of specialist collections?
Salary and Benefits:
This role has a starting salary of £20,131.20 per annum based on a 21.6 hour working week (pro rata to £33,552 full time equivalent). We are excited to be hiring a new Local Studies Librarian to join our fantastic Heritage team at Surrey History Centre in Woking. You will play a key role in preserving and promoting Surrey's rich heritage by acquiring, managing, and showcasing our Local Studies collection—a unique and comprehensive archive of books, pamphlets, periodicals, printed maps, paintings, and photographs that document the history of Surrey and its people.
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
Local Studies Librarian employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Studies Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Surrey History Centre and its staff. Understanding their roles and how you can fit in will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for local history! When you chat with them, share your thoughts on why local studies matter. Bring up any projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to preserving community heritage.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you'd handle being the sole librarian in a multi-disciplinary team. Have some strategies ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and teamwork spirit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team at Surrey County Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Studies Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in library environments, especially in local studies. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant skills and experiences!
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When tackling those four questions, take your time! We’re looking for detailed responses that reflect your understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Show Your Passion for Local History: Let your enthusiasm for local history shine through in your application. We love candidates who share our belief in the importance of preserving community heritage, so make sure to express why this matters to you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your materials and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Local History
Brush up on Surrey's local history and the significance of its collections. Being able to discuss specific materials or events will show your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨Showcase Your Cataloguing Skills
Prepare examples of your experience with cataloguing rare or unusual materials. Be ready to explain how you ensure discoverability and adhere to professional standards, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Challenges
Think about the potential challenges of being the sole qualified librarian in a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare to discuss strategies for collaboration and communication that would help you thrive in this environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Copyright Legislation
Since you'll be advising on copyright matters, brush up on current legislation relevant to library collections. Be prepared to share your experiences applying these laws in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
