Assistant Librarians – Heritage Asset Verification (4 Months Contract)

Thusa Batho Labour Solutions; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A national heritage institution is seeking Assistant Librarians for a project in Pretoria. The role focuses on hands-on verification of heritage materials, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the safety of collections. Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented, have good communication skills, and be able to perform physical tasks. While previous experience in library operations is advantageous, it is not compulsory. The position offers a project-based contract with an immediate start.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in library operations or collections management is advantageous.
• Ability to perform physically active tasks such as shelving and scanning.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed asset verification using specialized scanning tools.
• Verify collections against the heritage asset register.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Tools

Barcode scanners

Asset management software

Job description

Positions Available

• 14 x Assistant Librarians Cape Town Campus
• 8 x Assistant Librarians Pretoria Campus

Employment Type

Project-Based Contract

Start Date

Immediately upon appointment

About the Role

A national heritage institution is seeking multiple Assistant Librarians to support a major heritage asset verification and collection management project across its Cape Town and Pretoria campuses.

These positions involve hands‑on verification of library and heritage materials, ensuring accurate records, maintaining order within stack rooms, and preserving the safety and integrity of valuable collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed asset verification using specialised scanning tools and systems.
• Verify collections against the heritage asset register.
• Perform shelf reading to ensure proper arrangement and correct filing order.
• Update and maintain library filing sequences as required.
• Work closely with Stack Management staff to investigate and trace missing, untagged or misfiled items.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment within stack rooms.
• Ensure the safety and careful handling of heritage materials at all times.

Technical & Tool Knowledge Required

• Familiarity with software applications and tools used in asset verification (e.g., barcode scanners, asset management software).
• Understanding of library filing and classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, or equivalent).
• Ability to recognise and work with metadata fields in bibliographic records.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling high‑value or fragile collections.

Preferred Attributes

• Methodical, organised and detail‑oriented.
• Comfortable working with large volumes of items.
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain consistent work quality.
• Works well in a structured environment with clear daily targets.

Minimum Requirements

• Previous experience in library operations, collections management, archives, museums, or similar environments (advantageous but not compulsory).
• Ability to perform physically active tasks such as shelving, scanning and navigating stack rooms.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work within a supervised team structure.
• High level of integrity, reliability and respect for heritage materials.

Additional Information

Vacancy: 1