Senior Library Assistant

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to support Archives & Special Collections activities. This role involves engaging with diverse users, promoting the rich collections of archives, manuscripts, and rare books. You will supervise access to collections, assist both in-person and remotely, and contribute to events and displays that celebrate heritage. The position offers a collaborative environment where your contributions will enhance community engagement and promote the university's valuable resources. Join a vibrant team that values excellence and curiosity, and make a meaningful impact in the world of archives and heritage.

Benefits

Generous Leave

Pension Benefits

Flexible Working

Wellbeing Support

Discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in archives, libraries, museums, or heritage environments.
• Knowledge of archive or library principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and invigilate the use of ASC collections.
• Assist users with discovery tools and respond to enquiries.
• Create content for websites and social media to promote services.

Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Proficiency in Microsoft 365

Ability to Handle Challenging Situations

Workload Planning

Education

Level 5 or 6 qualification or equivalent

Honours degree at 2:1 or above

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job details

Posted 23 April 2025 Salary Grade 4, £23,881 - £26,338 per annum End date 07 May 2025 Location Glasgow Job Type Management, Professional & Administrative Reference 170798 Expiry 07 May 2025

h3>Job Description

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of Line Manager, provide support for a variety of Archives & Special Collections activities, delivering services to staff, students, and members of the public to promote engagement with the University of Glasgow’s collections of archives, manuscripts, and rare books.

Contribute to supplying image content to users and support processes for reproduction and reuse of collections.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervise and invigilate the use of ASC collections, providing guidance on access and handling, ensuring safe and secure access.
• Assist in-person and remote service users with discovery tools such as catalogues, collection overviews, and source guides.
• Respond to enquiries to high standards and deadlines, satisfying research needs.
• Act as Engagement Supervisor on a rota basis for efficient service delivery.
• Contribute to heritage collections engagement services, including events and displays.
• Monitor the ASC Email Inbox on a rota basis, triaging and escalating messages as needed.
• Support the supply of image content and processes for reproduction and reuse.
• Create content for websites, blogs, social media, and other channels to promote services and collections.
• Perform other engagement duties as directed by Line Manager and other team managers.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

• Level 5 or 6 qualification or equivalent, with experience or demonstrated competencies in a similar role.
• Knowledge of archive or library principles, practices, and standards.
• Practical knowledge of using library and archive catalogues.

Desirable

• Honours degree at 2:1 or above, or international equivalent.
• Understanding of data protection and copyright legislation.
• Knowledge of archives, early printed, manuscript, and heritage materials.
• Certification in information management/library/archive studies or plans to undertake such studies.
• Ability in reading/understanding additional languages relevant to collections (e.g., Gaelic, Latin, French, German).

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Good at handling challenging situations.
• Ability to plan workload and adapt to priorities.
• Manual dexterity.

Desirable

• Experience handling fragile heritage materials.

Experience

Essential

• Customer service experience.
• Experience in an archive, library, museum, or heritage environment.
• Experience using social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, TikTok).

Desirable

• Supervising and training others.
• Delivering engagement services in heritage or higher education sectors.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Grade 4, £23,881 - £26,338 per annum.
Full-time, open-ended post.
Closing date: 7 May 2025, 23:45.

Join our inclusive community valuing ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity.
Benefits include generous leave, pension, benefits, and discounts.
Flexible working and wellbeing support.
We encourage applications from diverse communities and underrepresented groups. Learn more about our commitment to equality and diversity.