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 valuable collections to diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience with manuscripts, strong IT skills, and teamwork abilities required.
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 & Manuscripts — Flexible Hours in London employer: The British Library
The British Library, located in St Pancras, is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture centred around inclusivity and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and access to a defined benefit pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the curation field, especially those who work with archives and manuscripts. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with industry professionals and get insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for modern archives and manuscripts. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or collections you're excited about.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Library's collections and recent exhibitions. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator: Modern Archives & Manuscripts — Flexible Hours in London
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.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient.
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, especially from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This will not only show your passion but also your preparedness to engage with the role.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since good IT skills are essential for this position, be ready to discuss your experience with digital formats and managing digital projects. Bring examples of how you've used technology in previous roles to enhance collection management or public engagement.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you can promote the collection to both academic and public audiences. Prepare ideas on potential exhibitions or learning programmes you could contribute to. This demonstrates your proactive approach and understanding of the role's community impact.
✨Teamwork Matters
The ability to work effectively as part of a team is vital. Be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, especially in managing competing demands. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
