Archives Assistant

The University of Huddersfield; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Huddersfield’s Heritage Quay is seeking an Archives Assistant to support its archives and records management service. This part-time role (0.5 FTE) covers 18.5 hours weekly across Tue–Thu slots, assisting customers and handling basic collections tasks and digitisation projects.

The post involves working closely with staff and the public, handling enquiries, and contributing to effective service delivery within a busy archives environment.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification (e.g. two A Levels) or equivalent or higher.
• Experience in an archive service or comparable heritage setting.
• Experience in a busy customer-facing environment.

Responsibilities

• Answer enquiries and provide support to customers at Heritage Quay.
• Retrieve and return archive materials, assist with housekeeping tasks.
• Assist with reprographics orders, digitisation of collections, and social media outreach.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

IT skills

Education

Level 3 qualification (e.g. two A Levels)

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Archives Assistant to join Heritage Quay, the University of Huddersfield’s award-winning, accredited archives and records management service.

The service holds over 200 Archives and Special Collections which include those of the University (and its predecessor bodies) from 1841 onwards; papers of former staff and students; families and individuals; and of local and national organisations. Collection strengths are in Art & Design, Education, Literature, Music, Politics & Activism, Sport, and Theatre & Performance. For more information about our collections, visit https://heritagequay.org/

The Archives and Records Management Service at Heritage Quay is part of Computing and Library Services. The team is managed by the University Archivist and Records Manager and includes an Archivist (Public Service), Assistant Records Manager, Records Officer, Public Engagement Officer, and two Archive Assistants.

This post reports to the Archivist (Public Service) and will contribute to the provision of an effective and efficient service to customers of Heritage Quay. You will work closely with the other Archive Assistant to support University staff and students, and members of the public who use the Heritage Quay research room or enquiry services. You will also undertake basic collections management tasks.

This is a part-time role of 18.5 hours per week (0.5 FTE). The working pattern is Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am – 5pm, and Thursday, 9am - 12:42pm. These hours are determined by the service's operational requirements and are non-negotiable.

As an Archives Assistant, you will act as the first point of contact for customers accessing the collections at Heritage Quay. You will answer enquiries, provide support to customers, and facilitate access to analogue and digital collections in the research room or via online appointment. You will also undertake retrievals and returns, assist with housekeeping tasks, basic preservation and conservation, help acquisition, process and catalogue collections, undertake reprographics orders and digitisation of the collections, and assist with social media and occasional outreach activities and events.

With a Level 3 qualification (e.g. two A Levels), or equivalent or higher, you will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience in an archive service or comparable heritage setting, as well as experience in a busy customer facing setting. You will be able to work effectively as part of a team and provide excellent customer service. With excellent attention to detail, and good IT skills, you will be able to answer enquiries and requests for information efficiently and effectively.

This role will involve moving and shelving moderate weights such as boxes of archive material and working at heights, with reasonable adjustments where necessary.

The University is deeply committed to equality and diversity for all its students and staff. We seek to be diverse and inclusive, supporting individuals and groups to fulfil their potential and nurture a sense of belonging. We strive to be an accessible, inclusive employer, removing barriers for all. Find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including our commitments and accreditations as a Disability Confident Leader, Stonewall Top 100 Employer, Athena Swan Silver Award holder and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award holder.

Informal enquiries are welcome to Eleanor Mckenzie, Archivist (Public Service), [e-mail]