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 working, 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 unique collections to diverse audiences and supporting exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience with manuscripts, strong IT skills, and ability to work in a team are essential.
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
This is the starting salary for this role, unless the successful candidate is able to evidence being in receipt of a higher salary, in which case this may be reviewed.
About the role
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.
For more information, please check the Job Profile.
About us
We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.
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.
Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits page.
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).
- Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
- 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: Curator Modern Archives and Manuscripts Apply online
Curator Modern Archives and Manuscripts in London 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. As a Curator in the Modern Archives and Manuscripts section, you will have the opportunity to engage with a rich collection while benefiting from 25 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and access to a defined benefit pension scheme, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about preserving history and promoting knowledge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator Modern Archives and Manuscripts in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the curation field, especially those who work with archives and manuscripts. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with others and learn about hidden job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the collections you'll be working with. Share specific examples of your experience with manuscripts and how you can contribute to their engagement programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Library's collections and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in what they do.
✨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 joining our team 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 and Manuscripts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Curator Modern Archives and Manuscripts role. Highlight your experience with manuscripts and archives, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for curation and archival work shine through in your application. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or collections you've managed that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible, so we can easily see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Library
✨Know Your Manuscripts
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Modern Archives and Manuscripts section. Familiarise yourself with key collections from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus areas.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in cataloguing and collection management. Think about specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and passion for curating.
✨Engagement is Key
Since the role involves public and academic engagement, come prepared with ideas on how to promote the collection. Share any past experiences where you successfully engaged audiences or contributed to exhibitions and learning programmes.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your IT skills and knowledge of digital formats. Be ready to discuss any digital projects you've managed, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you're comfortable with technology will set you apart from other candidates.
