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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to catalogue and enhance access to diverse collections.
- Company: Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library focused on health and human experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation in a renowned organisation making a global impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in cataloguing library materials and knowledge of RDA, AACR2, and MARC 21 required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 18 months with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 44800 £ per year.
Job Description
Librarian
Salary: £38,900
Closing date: Sunday 10, August 2025
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract until December 2026
Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library exploring health and human experience, where you can enjoy exhibitions, museum and library collections, public events, and a vibrant shop and café. We also publish books and online stories.
This is a great time to join Wellcome Collection as we embark on an exciting period of change. Wellcome Collection has recently introduced a new ten-year strategy and this role will play an important part in bringing to life our vision of a world where everyone's experience of health matters.
Wellcome Collection is part of Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation that supports science to build a healthier future for everyone. Wellcome Trust plans to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.
We are looking for a Librarian to join our team of Librarians, Archivists, Collections Information Officers on a full-time, 18-month basis.
Where in Wellcome will I be working?
You will be working as part of the Collections Information team which is part of the Collections & Digital department at Wellcome Collection, reporting to the Collections Information Lead (Cataloguing).
What will I be doing?
The Collections Information team creates and maintains a diverse range of descriptive, bibliographic and management information about Wellcome's collections. We want to maximise access and use of our collections by taking an audience-focused approach whenever we create collections information.
As a Librarian you will be:
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Joining a multidisciplinary team that undertakes a mix of cataloguing, inventory, sensitivity review and metadata enhancement, working in partnership to ensure that access to the collections is always lawful, ethical, and responsible.
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Cataloguing and classifying across a wide range of collections, both analogue and digital, with a focus on our printed and published, AV and visual materials collections
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Supporting the team with data clean-up and other tasks in preparation for changing Library systems as part of the Wellcome Collection Systems Transformation programme
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Working systematically to ensure that all collections are documented to at least the minimal viable level required to maintain Museum and Archive Service accredited status
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Contributing to the development and documentation of collections information procedural guidelines
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Contributing, developing and testing potential new approaches to cataloguing, metadata and catalogue record enhancements to improve accuracy, consistency, interoperability or accessibility of our collections information
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Handling personal and other sensitive data in accordance with UK Data Protection legislation and Wellcome Collection policy and procedures, carrying out reviews of collections material as required.
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Engaging with colleagues and external audiences to raise awareness of collections and professional practice
Is this job for me?
We are looking for a candidate who has strong experience of cataloguing printed and published library materials, including print and e-journals, and who is passionate about making collections materials available for a wide range of audiences. You will have excellent teamwork skills, with experience of working collaboratively to meet objectives.
To apply for this role please submit an update CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Minimum Criteria
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Sound experience of cataloguing printed / published library materials, including print and e-journals
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Excellent knowledge of RDA, AACR2 and MARC 21
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Knowledge and experience of using widely accepted descriptive standards and schema; of organising information; and of subject indexing
You can view the full job description on our website.
You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website.
Our Hybrid Way of Working
We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. We are currently working 3 days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) from our Euston Road offices (as part of our hybrid Ways of Working) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.
Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do
Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at .
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-KC1
Librarian employer: WELLCOME TRUST
Contact Detail:
WELLCOME TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wellcome Collection's mission and recent initiatives. Understanding their new ten-year strategy will help you align your passion for health and human experience with their goals, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Wellcome Collection. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider insights about the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your cataloguing skills by preparing examples of your previous work. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully catalogued printed and published materials, highlighting your knowledge of RDA, AACR2, and MARC 21.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your conversations. Wellcome Collection values these principles, so sharing your experiences or ideas on how to foster an inclusive environment can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Librarian position. Highlight key skills such as cataloguing experience and knowledge of RDA, AACR2, and MARC 21.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in cataloguing printed and published materials. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how it aligns with the role at Wellcome Collection.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide clear and concise answers that showcase your qualifications. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and answers to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a Librarian role.
How to prepare for a job interview at WELLCOME TRUST
✨Know Your Cataloguing Standards
Familiarise yourself with RDA, AACR2, and MARC 21 before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise in cataloguing printed and published materials.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, think of examples where you've successfully worked with others to achieve common goals. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and contribute positively to team dynamics.
✨Understand the Organisation's Vision
Research Wellcome Collection's new ten-year strategy and be ready to discuss how your role as a Librarian can contribute to their vision of making health experiences accessible to everyone. This shows your alignment with their mission and values.
✨Prepare for Data Protection Questions
Given the importance of handling sensitive data, be prepared to answer questions about UK Data Protection legislation and how you ensure compliance in your work. This will demonstrate your understanding of ethical practices in managing collections.
