Hocken Collections Assistant

Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago’s Hocken Library seeks a Collections Assistant for the Hocken Published Collections. You will work with a team to provide meticulous collection management and ensure researchers and communities can discover and access the collections.

You will collaborate with Collection Assistants, Archivists, Curators, and Librarians across Hocken and University Libraries, guiding diverse research needs and engaging with students and staff in person.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of New Zealand and Pacific history and culture.
• Experience working in a library, archive, museum or related heritage institution.
• Creative, problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Commitment to precision and accuracy at all times.
• Competency with computers, databases, and MS Office; able to adapt to new systems.
• Ability to work as part of a high-performing team without direct supervision.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Hocken’s published collections with meticulous care.
• Assist researchers and communities to discover and access the collections.
• Collaborate with Collection Assistants, Archivists, Curators and Librarians across the Hocken and University Libraries.
• Interact with students, staff and communities to guide their research needs.

Skills

NZ history knowledge

Library/archives experience

Creative problem solving

Communication skills

Precision and accuracy

Computer skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Databases

Microsoft Office

Library systems

Job description

Are you passionate about heritage materials, possess an eye for detail and a commitment to collection care, appreciate cross-organizational workflows, and have a flair for sharing collections knowledge with diverse research communities?

The University Library is seeking a Collections Assistant (Hocken Published Collections) to join our team.

In this collections and research focused role, you’ll work in a team to provide meticulous collection management, while also ensuring that researchers and communities can discover and access Hocken collections.

You’ll work closely with Collection Assistants, Archivists, Curators, and Librarians in the Hocken and University Libraries to meticulously maintain Hocken’s significant published collections. You’ll also spend time in person assisting and interacting with students, staff and communities to positively guide their use of Hocken collections to fulfil their diverse research needs.

If you appreciate the heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, while also being a systems thinker with an eye for detail interested in providing access to collections, this role will offer you the opportunity to work with nationally significant heritage collections, contributing to the research success of the Hocken’s diverse stakeholders.

The role | Te mahi

What you'll bring:

• Sound general knowledge of New Zealand and Pacific history and culture.
• Experience working in a library, archive, museum or related heritage institution.
• A creative, problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for learning.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• A commitment to precision and the ability to be accurate at all times.
• Competency in the use of computers, including familiarity with databases and Microscft Office and an ability to adapt to new systems.
• The capacity to work as a member of a highly competent team without direct supervision.

The Hocken is one of the foremost research libraries in New Zealand celebrating the histories, culture and natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

The Hocken is part of the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Library, which provides high-quality information resources and services, recognising the diversity and needs of all stakeholders. Our expert teams strive to be responsive and innovative in our service delivery and to be a vital contributor to the University and wider community.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position, Monday to Friday, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The position will be required to work occasional rostered half-days (3.5 hours) on Saturdays.

The appointment range for this role is $63,508 to $68,185.Top of range $73,640.

Please note that some physical work is involved, including handling collection material and working at height.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence - please contact Kirstie Ross, Head Curator Published and Special Collections via the contact details below.