THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MANAGING EMPLOYER: TRUSTEES OF LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
Library Assistant/ Graduate Trainee
GRADE:
£18,440
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace Library, London SE1 7JU
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Deputy Librarian
BACKGROUND: Lambeth Palace Library, founded in 1610, is the historic library
and record office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is an academic research library,
specialising in ecclesiastical history, but with far wider-ranging archive, manuscript
and printed collections. It is the principal repository for archives of the Archbishop of
Canterbury and associated officials or institutions. It is maintained by the Church
Commissioners.
The collections range in date from the ninth century to the present day. There are
some 200,000 printed books (30,000 earlier than 1700), 4,400 manuscripts (600 of
which are medieval), and large quantities of archives. The Library continues to
receive the modern papers of the Archbishops of Canterbury. Further details may be
found on the Library’s website: www.lambethpalacelibrary.org.
The Library serves a range of users, both from the UK and internationally, in its
Reading Room, and remotely via email, postal and telephone enquiries. The Library is
in the process of migrating from Dynix to Innovative Millennium collection
management software.
The position offers an opportunity to learn about the various aspects of library and
information work in an academic research library including work and training up to a
good professional level.
JOB SUMMARY: To assist in the administration and invigilation of the Reading
Room, including the admission of readers, fetching material, and numerous other
duties. To catalogue and classify new accessions. To help with routine maintenance of
the automated library management system (training provided).
The post is intended as experience for someone hoping to undertake a postgraduate
course in library and information work. The position provides trainees with a
grounding in library and information work and other aspects of work in a research
library.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Assisting in the running and invigilation of the Reading Room, by admitting
readers, producing material for readers, and other related duties.
Cataloguing, classifying, labelling and shelving new accessions.
Answering genealogical and bibliographical enquires and advising readers on
sources in the Library and elsewhere.
Assisting with providing copies of material for readers in various formats,
including digital photographs.
Supervising tour parties and other visitors to the Library.
Assisting in other Library duties as required.
The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description.
This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work.
Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree with any reasonable
changes to your job description that are commensurate with your banding and in line
with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your
job description before these are implemented.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Education:
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Good honours degree in the humanities (or expect to achieve one this academic
year)
The intention of undertaking a postgraduate qualification in library and
information studies
Skills/Aptitudes:
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IT literate, with good keyboarding skills
Good verbal and written communication skills
Personal Attributes:
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Ability to work unsupervised and as a member of a team
Ability to organise own work and prioritise duties
Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
Ability to work methodically and accurately, with attention to detail and to agreed
standards
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Ability to deal politely and efficiently with members of the public, and
commitment to providing a good service
Ability to move heavy books, archive boxes, etc. in the course of normal Library
duties
Circumstances:
Lambeth Palace Library occupies historic premises dating from the 15th century
onwards. Candidates must be able:
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To work within the confines of an historic building including spiral staircases and
no lift
To move books, archive boxes etc and negotiate stairs carrying boxes
To cope with items in poor condition
Desirable attributes
Skills/Aptitudes
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Additional computer skills, e.g. familiarity with databases, library systems
Knowledge/Experience:
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A working knowledge of Latin and at least one modern European language
An interest in history, especially ecclesiastical history, and/or genealogy, and a
knowledge of British history
Relevant experience in a library or similar institution
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Diversity
Equal treatment amongst people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse
perspectives is one of the central precepts to the Church of England’s mission and
theology. The Church of England and its National employing bodies value the
richness which this equal treatment brings to the workplace. It therefore has an equal
opportunities policy in place. This policy not only requires the employer to fulfil
certain obligations but also places responsibilities on staff. Staff found to be
contravening the policy or acting outside its spirit will be subject to disciplinary
action, which could lead to dismissal.
The National Church Institutions, in which Lambeth Palace Library is included, wish
to implement the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act and are committed to
improving opportunities for people with disabilities. If you feel that you could carry
out this post with some adjustments please let the Human Resources Department
know. If you require particular arrangements made for interview etc. (signing,
access), please indicate with your application form.
Standards of Behaviour and Conduct
Staff are expected to act at all times with due consideration for others and in a manner
befitting their position as employees of the Church and as professionals, whatever
their job.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Staff must ensure that they do not endanger themselves or others by any act or
omission on their part.
Confidentiality
Staff must not pass on to unauthorised persons, any information obtained in the course
of their duties without the permission of their Head of Department.
Other Information
The National Church Institutions operate a no-smoking policy within the workplace.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary:
£18,440 per annum.
Pension Contributions:
Non-clergy staff will be admitted to the Church
Administrators Pension Fund (CAPF) unless they
choose to opt out. Clergy already in the Church of
England Funded Pensions Scheme (CEFPS) will have
the option of either remaining in this scheme or joining
the CAPF if they wish. There is no contracting – out
certificate under the Pension Schemes Act 1993 in force
for this employment in relation to the CAPF. The
CEFPS is contracted out.
The retirement age for men and women is 65 years.
Hours of Duty:
Normal hours of work are 35 per week, Monday to
Friday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, with an hour’s unpaid break
for lunch.
Annual Leave:
25 days pro rata paid leave per leave year. This is
exclusive of public and additional holidays. The leave
year runs from 1st January to 31st December.
Season Ticket Loan:
Staff are eligible to apply for an interest-free travel
season ticket loan for their journey to and from work.
Contract:
The post is offered on a one-year contract to run from
August / September 2010 to August / September 2011,
suitable for a year’s experience before taking a
postgraduate course in library and information studies
and is subject to a one month probationary period.
Closing date:
25 June 2010
Interview date:
14 July 2010