Assistant Librarian

The British Museum; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious cultural institution in London is seeking an Assistant Librarian for its Research, Archives and Libraries department. Your role will involve managing library collections, ensuring access for users, and maintaining digital resources. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills and a proactive approach to service delivery. This full-time position offers a permanent contract with generous leave and exceptional pension benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus additional privilege days

Exceptional pension scheme

Free tickets to exhibitions

Interest-free travel loans

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must be organised and proactive in delivering library services.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse users.
• Confident in using digital tools and eager to learn new systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage library collections and handle research enquiries.
• Assist with cataloguing and ensure access to resources.
• Maintain organisation of library materials and finances.
• Support acquisitions and library projects.
• Aid in user education and volunteer placements.

Skills

Organised

Proactive

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Flexible problem-solving

Confident in using digital tools

Job description

Full-time 41 hours per week

On-site 5 days per week Permanent contract £29,642 Application deadline: 12pm 16th January 2026

About The Role

The British Museum is hiring an Assistant Librarian in their Research, Archives and Libraries department. This will see you work as part of the team responsible for managing the Museum’s library collections and facilitating access for staff and external users.

The postholder is responsible for supporting the development of print and digital resources across the Museum’s libraries and the delivery of high quality, customer‑focussed library and heritage services including user education, cataloguing and appraisal.

Key areas of responsibility

• Operational Support: Manage library collections, act as first point of contact for research enquiries, loans and administration.
• Cataloguing & Access: Assist with cataloguing using multiple classification systems; ensure access to library resources for staff and public.
• Library Maintenance & Finance: Maintain organisation of materials, track locations, and handle finance administration.
• Collection & Project Support: Assist with acquisition, subscriptions, preservation, disposal of materials, and contribute to library projects.
• Education & Volunteer Development: Support user education with guidance, induction and training, and help develop volunteer placements.

About You

You are organised, proactive and passionate about delivering excellent library services. You enjoy working collaboratively and can communicate clearly with a wide range of users. Attention to detail and the ability to prioritise tasks are key strengths, alongside a flexible approach to problem‑solving.

You are confident using digital tools and eager to learn new systems. An interest in heritage collections and supporting access to knowledge will help you thrive in this role. Above all, you bring curiosity, reliability, and a commitment to providing a high‑quality, user‑focused service.

Benefits

• Be a part of a world‑renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
• Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
• Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
• Financial Support: Interest‑free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
• Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
• Everyday Extras: Paid 1‑hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.

Our values

Our Values Drive Everything We Do, From How We Handle Our Objects To How We Work In Our Team To Fostering a Culture Where Everyone Feels Heard And Empowered. These Are

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices

Click here for more information and to apply