Assistant Archivist

Assistant Archivist

London Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in managing and cataloguing the British Museum's archive collections.
  • Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution with a collection spanning over two million years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on food and gifts.
  • Why this job: Be part of a world-renowned museum and contribute to preserving cultural heritage.
  • Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field; skills in information management required.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

About the role:
The Assistant Archivist will be responsible for supporting the British Museum’s Senior Archivist and Archivist to deliver the day-to-day operational requirements of the archive service at the British Museum, including the movement and cataloguing of archive holdings.
This role will be responsible for helping to manage the Museum archive by assisting with mapping, rationalising, cataloguing, classifying holdings, and providing access to staff and members of the public.
Key areas of responsibility:
• Support the Senior Archivist and the Archivist to deliver listing, cataloguing, access to the archive and conservation assessments.
• Mapping, rationalising, and cataloguing archive material, to meet archive accreditation standards.
• Maintaining user services by providing staff and public access to the archive, assisting with user enquiries regarding the content and use of the Museum archive and supporting provenance research.
• Maintain the organisation of the archive, ensuring items are kept in their proper location.
• Maintain compliance with the legislative and regulatory frameworks surrounding the care and management of the archives.
About you:
• Degree in a subject relevant to the Museum’s collections, or equivalent experience
• Proven technical and professional information management skills
• Experience of handling fragile archive records
• Awareness and understanding of archive cataloguing standards
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here: British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at the interview stage about how flexible working could work for you.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.

National Museum Directors\’ Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.

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Assistant Archivist employer: www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard

The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and promotes professional growth. As an Assistant Archivist, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, access to unique museum activities, and opportunities for personal development, all while contributing to the preservation of world history in a prestigious institution located in the heart of London.
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Contact Detail:

www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Archivist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's archive collections and their cataloguing standards. Understanding their specific requirements will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the archival field, especially those who have experience working in museums. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with handling fragile records and any relevant technical skills you possess. Be ready to give examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your passion for cultural heritage and the importance of archives in preserving history. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and resonate well with the interviewers.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Archivist

Archive Management
Cataloguing Skills
Attention to Detail
Information Management
Provenance Research
User Service Skills
Knowledge of Archive Standards
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Experience with Fragile Records
Mapping and Rationalising Holdings
Compliance Awareness
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Archivist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience you have in archive management, cataloguing, or handling fragile records. Use specific examples to demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge of archive standards.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about working at the British Museum. Mention your understanding of their collections and how you can contribute to their mission.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an archivist role.

How to prepare for a job interview at www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard

✨Know Your Archives

Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's archive collections and their significance. Understanding key items, like the Rosetta Stone or Egyptian mummies, will show your genuine interest in the role and the institution.

✨Demonstrate Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your technical and professional information management skills. Highlight any experience you have with cataloguing standards and handling fragile records, as these are crucial for the Assistant Archivist position.

✨Showcase Communication Abilities

Since the role involves assisting staff and the public, demonstrate your communication skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively handled user enquiries or provided access to archival materials in previous roles.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the archive's operations and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your understanding of the role's responsibilities and the museum's mission.

Assistant Archivist
www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard
Location: London
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