Special Collections Assistant

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for a Special Collections Assistant. You will deliver customer-focused reader and enquiry services and assist with care, development and digitisation of rare books, archives and related materials.

Join a small, dedicated team in Library & Cultural Services, supporting teaching, exhibitions and events, while promoting access and engaging with diverse audiences on campus. Closing date 18 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with collections and/or archives in a museum, gallery or educational setting.
• Is passionate and curious about collections and their potential in Higher Education.
• Well organised, highly motivated and a brilliant communicator.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality customer service for Special Collections users and enquiries.
• Retrieve, handle and care for rare books, archives and other special collections material.
• Support the cataloguing, documentation and processing of collections.
• Assist with digitisation, metadata creation and copyright-related activities.
• Contribute to preservation, storage and environmental monitoring of collections.
• Support delivery of teaching sessions, exhibitions, events and reading room services.
• Undertake administrative tasks, data collection and reporting to support service delivery.
• Promote Special Collections through outreach, engagement and communications activities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Job description

Are you passionate aboutSpecial Collections and providing a brilliant service for students, and researchers? Are you looking for an opportunity to work with unique and historically significant collections within a university environment? Are you organised, detail-oriented and confident using digital systems and databases? Are you motivated by a varied role that combines public-facing work with behind-the-scenes collections management? If so, this could be the role for you.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we believe in working together as one. We are proud to create amazing spaces where colleagues can do their best work and thrive.

Our Special Collections include objects, artworks and archives. They are a vital part of life at the University and are used extensively for teaching, research and inspiration.

About the Role

As the Special Collections Assistant you will be a valued member of the Special Collections team, within the Library & Cultural Services department. You will make a significant contribution to the delivery of customer-focussed reader and enquiry services, and assist with the development, management and care of the collections. Your work will support an active engagement programme which seeks to boost engagement with academic audiences through teaching, learning and research, and with public audiences through a programme of displays and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality customer service for Special Collections users and enquiries.
• Retrieve, handle and care for rare books, archives and other special collections material.
• Support the cataloguing, documentation and processing of collections.
• Assist with digitisation, metadata creation and copyright-related activities.
• Contribute to the preservation, storage and environmental monitoring of collections.
• Support the delivery of teaching sessions, exhibitions, events and reading room services.
• Undertake administrative tasks, data collection and reporting to support service delivery.
• Promote Special Collections through outreach, engagement and communications activities.
• Develop knowledge of the collections to support users and enhance access.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who:

• Is passionate and curious about collections, and understands their potential within Higher Education
• Has experience of working with collections and/or archives in a museum, gallery or educational setting
• Is well organised, highly motivated and a brilliant communicator
• Enjoys working flexibly as part of a small, dedicated team
• Cares about providing an excellent service

Why join our Library & Cultural Services

You will join a passionate and empowered team and an innovative and evolving library service.

This is an exciting time to become part of our team, as we look ahead to a new landmark library building and reimagined service.

Join a community that values collaboration and mutual support. Be part of a team where you can thrive and make a difference.

Closing date Sunday 18th October 2026

Get in touch

This is a fully campus-based role. For informal enquiries, please contact Jayne Evans at [e-mail].

Please note: Interviews are set to take place on 23 November.2026

Due to high application volumes, only submissions with cover letters may be considered at shortlisting.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

£26,093 to £27,319. Grade 4