Curator Tibetan Collections

British Library; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Greater London is seeking a Curator of Tibetan Collections. This role involves managing and making accessible unique Tibetan manuscripts and works, engaging with diverse communities, and contributing to digitisation and cultural programmes. Candidates should possess a strong knowledge of Tibetan languages and relevant qualifications. Experience in a research environment is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of both Classical and Modern Tibetan.
• Degree level qualification in a discipline relevant to the Tibetan collections.
• Knowledge of Old Tibetan and other Sino-Tibetan languages is beneficial.
• Experience in a research library or similar setting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and make accessible the Tibetan collections.
• Promote the collections through engagement activities with diverse audiences.
• Contribute to documentation, digitisation projects, and cultural programmes.

Skills

Good working knowledge of both Classical and Modern Tibetan

Knowledge of Old Tibetan and other Sino-Tibetan languages

Experience working in a research library

Education

Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Curator of Tibetan Collections – Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Curator of Tibetan Collections to join a team of specialist curators in the Asian and African Collections Department at the British Library.

The British Library holds a culturally and historically significant collection of printed books and manuscripts in Tibetan. The collections include some of the earliest surviving manuscripts in Old Tibetan, rare and unique works that are part of the Tibetan Buddhist canon and official letters and documents, for example from the Dalai and Panchen Lamas.

The role involves working with manuscripts and printed material in the major languages covered in the Tibetan collections: Tibetan both Classical and Modern (including Amdo and Khams variants). Additionally, the role has responsibility for material in Old Tibetan and for languages that are part of the Sino-Tibetan or Trans-Himalayan language family.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and make accessible the Tibetan collections at the British Library.
• Explore innovative ways of presenting, interpreting and promoting the collections through engagement activities with diverse communities, academic and general audiences.
• Contribute to online resources, documentation, digitisation projects, research, cultural programmes and media.

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of both Classical and Modern Tibetan.
• Degree level qualification in a discipline of central relevance for the Tibetan collections.
• Knowledge of Old Tibetan and other Sino‑Tibetan/Trans‑Himalayan languages would be useful.
• Experience working in a research library, academic or other relevant environment would be an advantage.