Collection Manager, Publications

Aucklandmuseum; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Leave benefits

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

Auckland War Memorial Museum is seeking a Collection Manager, Publications to care for and catalogue the Museum’s publication collections, including books, serials and newspapers. You will manage new acquisitions, retrospective cataloguing, and serials subscriptions, ensuring accurate bibliographic metadata across Museum libraries.

The role requires a library qualification or equivalent experience, plus sharp attention to detail, collaboration across teams, and knowledge of MARC, AACR2 and Ngā

Qualifications

• Recognised library qualification or related field or 3+ years in a special collection/archive role.
• Experience cataloguing publications across formats, with interest in rare books.
• Familiarity with bibliographic standards and classification schemes (AACR2, RDA, MARC, LOC headings).

Responsibilities

• Order and catalogue new publications for Museum collections.
• Perform retrospective cataloguing as required across departments.
• Manage serials subscriptions and maintain bibliographic metadata.

Skills

Cataloguing

Rare book handling

Attention to detail

Collaborative work

Problem solving

Education

Library qualification or degree in a relevant field

3+ years experience in special collections / GLAM

Tools

Vernon collection management system

MARC/AACR2 knowledge

Ngā Upoko Tukutuku Māori Subject Headings

Job description

Job Category: Advertising, Media, Arts & Entertainment

Auckland War Memorial Museum: Connecting through sharing stories of people, lands and seas

Auckland Museum is a much-loved culture and heritage organisation at the heart of Auckland's identity, committed to outstanding management of its world-class collections,developing and sharing engaging content through its galleries, exhibition, events, educational programmes and the permanent and volunteer staff who tell the Museum's stories. We are Auckland's home of commemoration as well as the country’s oldest research institution and a major tourist destination.

Job Description

The Museum holds one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent documentary heritage collections and research libraries. The Collection Manager, Publications is responsible for the expert physical care, processing, and documentation of the Museum’s publication collections. The collections include a range of formats: books, pamphlets, serials and newspapers, maps, and plans. This permanent and full-time role is responsible for ordering and cataloguing all new publications acquired for the various publication collections across the Museum including the departmental libraries, as well as retrospective cataloguing as required. It also manages the Museum’s serials subscriptions and maintains bibliographic metadata.

Desired Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will offer:

• A recognised library and information qualification, or a degree/qualification in a field relevant to this position’s activities; or at least 3 years’ equivalent working experience in a special collection archive/library or relevant GLAM sector role.
• Experience in cataloguing a range of published formats, with a strong interest in rare book cataloguing
• Familiarity with bibliographic standards, vocabularies and classification schemesincluding knowledge of AACR2, RDA, MARC, and Library of Congress and Ngā Upoko Tukutuku Māori Subject Headings
• A familiarity with collection management systems (Vernon preferred)
• Experience in the handling and storage of heritage publication formats
• Problem-solving skills, attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work collaboratively
• An understanding of the principles and practice of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• A full New ZealandDrivers Licence

Closing Date: Sunday 27 September 2026

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.

Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling work life where we embrace diversity and nurture our bicultural capability as demonstrated in our Teu le Va and He Korahi Maori strategies. We also offer a range of great benefits such as flexible work and leave and an award-winning wellbeing programme.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to be part of a fabulous New Zealand organisation committed to telling our national and Auckland stories, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.