At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and manage modern archives, focusing on historical manuscripts from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Company: Join the British Library, the national library of the UK, with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse candidates; excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact by promoting and preserving important historical collections for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience with manuscripts, strong IT skills, and ability to work in a team.
The predicted salary is between 35993 - 35993 £ per year.
Location: St Pancras
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours)
Grade: B
Salary: £35,993 per annum
The British Library is seeking to recruit a Curator to join the Modern Archives and Manuscripts section at St Pancras on a permanent basis. The Modern Archives and Manuscripts section is responsible for the Western Manuscript collections 1601-1950, including major holdings of historical, political, literary, theatrical and scientific papers.
The post holder will work across the chronological range of the collection, but with a focus on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The post will contribute to the full range of curatorial work on this collection. Tasks will include acquisitions work, cataloguing and collection management activities. The post holder will also contribute to public and academic engagement programmes and provide support for digitisation projects, exhibitions and learning programmes.
We are looking for candidates with experience of working with manuscripts and archives in a professional context, including cataloguing, collection management and work to promote the collection to academic and public audiences. The ability to work effectively as part of a team and to manage competing demands on your time are vital. Good IT skills are essential, as is a good knowledge of relevant standards and digital formats and experience of managing digital projects and/or collections.
What we can offer you:
- 25 days’ holiday plus 2.5 privilege days.
- Access to a defined benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
Things you need to know:
- We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
- Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check).
- We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.
Closing date: 23:59 on 14 June 2026
If you have any questions, please contact: BL-recruitment@bl.uk
Curator: Modern Archives & Manuscripts — Flexible Hours employer: The British Library
The British Library, located in St Pancras, is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture focused on inclusivity and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and access to a defined benefit pension scheme, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while engaging with a rich collection of historical manuscripts. Joining our team means contributing to meaningful public and academic engagement initiatives, making a lasting impact on the preservation and promotion of the UK's literary heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator: Modern Archives & Manuscripts — Flexible Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the curation field, especially those who work with archives and manuscripts. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get an interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the collections and the role. Share specific examples of how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around cataloguing and public engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for questions that test your problem-solving skills or your knowledge of digital formats. Brush up on relevant standards and think of scenarios where you've successfully managed competing demands.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at the British Library and contributing to our mission of making knowledge accessible to everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator: Modern Archives & Manuscripts — Flexible Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with manuscripts and archives. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for curation and archives shine through! Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at the British Library. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Proofread Before Submitting:Always give your application a good once-over before hitting send. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications. We want to see your best work, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional!
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Library
✨Know Your Manuscripts
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Western Manuscript collections from 1601-1950. Familiarise yourself with key historical, political, and literary figures relevant to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience with cataloguing and collection management. Prepare specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those that involved public engagement or digitisation. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires effective collaboration, think of instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Be prepared to share how you managed competing demands and contributed to group success. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Brush Up on IT Skills
Good IT skills are essential for this position, so make sure you're comfortable discussing relevant digital formats and standards. If you've managed digital projects before, be ready to explain your approach and any tools you used. This will reassure them that you can handle the technical aspects of the job.
