Library and Archive Assistant (Graduate Trainee)

THE NATIONAL GALLERY; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious art institution in London seeks a Library and Archive Assistant (Graduate Trainee) to help manage and organise their collections. This full-time role requires experience in library or archive work and offers the opportunity to support researchers. Candidates should have strong organisational skills and a keen interest in the history of Western European painting.

Qualifications

• Experience of library and/or archive work.
• Familiarity with library and/or archive management systems.
• Interest in pursuing a library or archive career.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining and organising Library and Archive collections.
• Support the decanting of collections for refurbishment.
• Help internal and external researchers access library resources.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

The National Gallery is seeking to appoint a Library and Archive Assistant (Graduate Trainee). The post holder will contribute to the success of the Research Department by assisting with the maintenance and organisation of the Library and Archive collections and the process of making them available to internal and external researchers. Research by Gallery staff supports the acquisition, care and study of paintings in the Gallery’s collection.

Research by external visitors to the Library and Archive supports the Gallery’s leading national and international role in the scholarship of Western European painting. The post will also assist with the decant of Library and Archive collections necessitated by the forthcoming refurbishment of the Research Centre space in which the collections are housed.

You will be educated to degree level or equivalent and have experience of library and/or archive work, databases and data inputting. You will be familiar with library and/or archive management systems and the basic principles of information management. You will have a demonstrable interest in pursuing library and/or archive work as a career. A broad knowledge of the history of Western European painting is desirable.

The successful candidate will need to be adaptable and able to make routine decisions independently without constant supervision. You will also need good organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise a variety of tasks and meet deadlines; a methodical approach with excellent attention to detail; good communication skills; and the ability to work effectively as part of a team with Research Department colleagues.

This is a full time position for up to 12 months and will require 5 days on-site working.