Archives Assistant

BBC Group and Public Services; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Archives Assistant to join their dynamic team in Reading. This permanent role offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with historical documents and support the management of BBC assets. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and organisational skills, along with a keen eye for detail. You will be responsible for handling enquiries, delivering content, and ensuring the integrity of archive materials. With unrivalled training opportunities and a commitment to employee development, this role promises a fulfilling career path in a respected organisation that values diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

25 days annual leave

Defined pension scheme

Discounted dental and health care

Gym membership

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and experience in library or archives.
• Methodical and accurate approach with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage enquiries and deliver archive content to customers.
• Update stock management systems and support digitisation services.

Skills

Communication Skills

Planning and Organising Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Management

Education

Experience in Library or Archives Environment

Tools

IT Proficiency

Stock Management Systems

Job description

Archives Assistant

Permanent - Full Time

Reading, GB, RG4 8TZ

Job Closing Date: 17/02/2025

THE ROLE

Job Reference: 20291/2
Band: A
Salary: £22000 - £26300
Contract type: Permanent role x2. (1 is 0.8 FTE)
Location: Office Base is BBC Written Archives, Caversham, Reading. Role is based on site.

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application.

Excellent career progression – the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
Benefits - We offer a negotiable salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.

The BBC Written Archives Centre looks after the working papers of the BBC. Our documents have been selected for permanent preservation because of their value as evidence or as a source for historical or other research.

This permanent role is for an Archives Assistant position within the Written Archives team and reports to an Archive/Library Team Leader. The role of the Archives Assistant is to support the management, supply and delivery of BBC assets from its archive and library collections.

Main Responsibilities

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

1. Dealing with enquiries relating to accessing content held in archive and library collections – both physical and digital assets.
2. Delivery of archive and library content to customers and prioritising where appropriate to meet deadlines.
3. Managing the circulation of material from either BBC archive storage or third party storage suppliers around BBC buildings using appropriate stock management systems.
4. Ensuring relevant delivery information is included with orders and that stock management systems are updated as appropriate.
5. Answering basic research enquiries.
6. Accessioning of archive content to stock management systems.
7. Operating technical equipment for copying, viewing and listening purposes; also supporting digitisation services and products.
8. Re-filing and re-housing of archive material for preservation purposes.
9. Working as part of a pool to provide cover for colleagues during normal absences.
10. Providing administrative and technical assistance to Archives teams.
11. Dealing with visitors to BBC sites.
12. Ensuring that Archive policies and standards are adhered to, promoting best archiving practice both internally and externally.

Are you the right candidate?

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and spoken along with good planning and organising skills. You will also demonstrate:

1. Some previous experience within a library or archives environment, media would be advantageous.
2. Proven ability to manage customer requirements when working independently and/or as part of a team.
3. Methodical and accurate approach to work with good attention to detail.
4. Ability to use IT proficiently, including a range of software packages and collaboration tools.
5. Understanding of the BBC’s values and how they apply to the role.

About the BBC

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC for different reasons and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance.