Collections Assistant

The University of Manchester is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Collections Assistant for this 8 months’ fixed-term, half-time role within the Library’s outstanding Creative Arts Archives.

The Creative Arts Archives are significant and varied, ranging from the modern collection of the internationally renowned Carcanet Press to the historic Mary Hamilton Papers; the Jeff Nuttall counter-culture archives to the papers of Annie Horniman, pioneer of modern repertory theatre. Covering literary, performing and visual arts archives, these collections are regularly and intensively used for teaching and research. An increasing proportion of these collections is born digital, including significant email collections which have recently been the focus of funded, international projects.

The Collections Assistant will undertake accessioning, box-listing, basic cataloguing and collection management activities on the collections under the guidance of curators, and will assist curators in supporting teaching and learning, research and public engagement on the collections, and in responding to enquiries relating to the collections.

You will have experience of working in a library, archive or equivalent organization; a demonstrable awareness of the particular requirements of maintaining and managing special collections, including conservation and security; an understanding of the value of Special Collections for research, teaching and learning; experience of using library, archive or museum management systems; excellent IT skills; and excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections help us to deliver a world-class library and information service for The University of Manchester. While our primary objective is to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of University members, we are also fully committed to widening access to our services and collections to individual researchers, local schools and others in the regional community.

The Library’s Special Collections are among the richest holdings of rare books, manuscripts, archives, maps and visual collections in the world. They are an outstanding resource for research, teaching and learning, and public engagement. The collections are housed on three sites – the John Rylands Research Institute & Library in the city centre, Main Library on the University campus and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE at Manchester Central Library. Through the John Rylands Research Institute, we deliver an extensive programme of research on the collections, in collaboration with academic colleagues at the University of Manchester.​​​​​​

Culture and Values

The University of Manchester Library strives to create a working environment that is supportive and rewarding, providing a platform from which we can achieve our ambitious strategy. This culture and our values are demonstrated through the University’s values:​​​​​​​

• Knowledge: we are ambitious in our pursuit of new ideas, greater understanding and discovery
• Wisdom: we share and apply our knowledge and experience to guide balanced and evidenced decisions for ourselves and for society
• Humanity: we embrace and celebrate difference, respect and support each other, and act with integrity to benefit society and the environment by transforming and enriching lives
• Academic freedom: we support with enthusiasm and vigour the principles of freedom of thought and speech
• Courage: we think and speak freely, and act boldly to challenge assumptions and shape our future for the greater good
• Pioneering spirit: in the radical Manchester spirit, and inspired by our people, history and scale, we create the exceptional

It’s important that all colleagues share in this vision and are committed to helping create a working environment that is both rewarding and fulfilling. Please consider this before applying for this role.

Hours & Place of Work

Normal working hours are 17.5 hours per week.

This post is based primarily in the John Rylands Research Institute & Library. However, all Library employees are required to work at any Library site, as necessary.

All Library staff are required to wear an identity badge.

You should demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria required in the person specification by giving specific examples in the “additional information” section of the online application form

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.​​​​​​​

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

PLEASE NOTE: Interview date will be the week commencing 5th December 2022

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Clare Baker

Email: [email protected]

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.