THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
Assistant Archivist
GRADE:
Band 6
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace Library, London, SE1 7JU
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Archivist
BACKGROUND:
Lambeth Palace Library (www.lambethpalacelibrary.org), 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, dating from the ninth century to the present day.
The Library holds around 200,000 printed books (30,000 dating from before 1700),
5,000 manuscripts (600 of which are medieval), and large quantities of archives. The
Library continues to receive the modern papers of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Library serves a range of users, both from the UK and internationally, in its Reading
Room, through enquiries, its online resources and outreach work. The Library uses
CALM for Archives collections management software.
JOB SUMMARY:
To assist in making the Library's collections of archives and manuscripts accessible to the
public, through the provision of Reading Room and enquiry services, archive
cataloguing, and other work as required.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Supervising the Reading Room on a rota basis, with responsibility for security whilst
on duty there.
2. Providing other services to readers, including answering enquiries in whatever format,
and contributing to the Library’s reprographic services.
3. Cataloguing archives using CALM for Archives software, for web delivery via the
Library’s online catalogue, in particular initially the papers of Archbishop Robert
Runcie (1980-1991).
4. Developing a working knowledge of the Library's collections, archival, manuscript and
printed.
5. Contributing to the Library’s outreach work as required.
6. Carrying out any 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 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.
Lambeth Palace Library occupies historic premises dating from the 15th century
onwards, on several floors with no passenger lifts, and the post includes some physical
tasks such as moving books and archive boxes. Reasonable adjustments will be made if
applicable.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Education:
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Good level of education including an honours degree or equivalent, preferably in
history, and a professional qualification in archives management.
Skills/Aptitudes:
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Good IT and keyboarding skills, including Microsoft Office.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Personal Attributes:
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Able to work unsupervised and as a member of a team.
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Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with
members of the public.
Ability to organise own work and prioritise duties.
Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
Ability to work methodically and accurately showing attention to detail.
Ability to work to agreed standards.
Knowledge/Experience:
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Experience of archive reading room/public service work.
Experience of working with archive cataloguing software, preferably CALM for
archives.
Familiarity with current descriptive and authority standards.
Desirable
Knowledge/Experience:
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Experience of supervision of members of the public consulting archive collections.
Good knowledge of British history.
An interest in ecclesiastical history and records.
Some knowledge of palaeography and Latin.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Diversity
We understand the benefits of employing individuals from a range of backgrounds, with
diverse cultures and talents. We aim to create a workforce that:
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values difference in others and respects the dignity and worth of each individual
reflects the diversity of the nation that the Church of England exists to serve
fosters a climate of creativity, tolerance and diversity that will help all staff to
develop to their full potential.
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and ensuring that all
employees, job applicants, customers and other persons with whom we deal are treated
fairly and are not subjected to discrimination. We want to ensure that we not only
observe the relevant legislation but also do whatever is necessary to provide genuine
equality of opportunity. We expect all of our employees to be treated and to treat
others with respect. Our aim is to provide a working environment free from harassment,
intimidation, or discrimination in any form which may affect the dignity of the individual.
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
The NCIs take Health and Safety at work very seriously and require their staff to
familiarise themselves with, and follow, their policy.
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.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary:
Salary starts at the probationary point of £24,309 per
annum. On satisfactory completion of the probationary
period the salary will rise to the standard point for the band
£25,880 per annum.
Pension Contributions: Non-clergy
staff will be admitted to the Church
Administrators Pension Fund (CAPF, DC Section). 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 scheme.
There is no contracting – out certificate under the Pension
Schemes Act 1993 in force for this employment in relation to
the CAPF and CEFPS. Both CAPF and CEFPS members are
contracted-in to the State Second Pension.
Hours of Duty:
Normal hours of work are 35 per week, Monday to Friday
with an hour’s unpaid break for lunch. The Library Reading
Room remains open on Thursdays until 7.30pm, and the
post holder will be expected to work approximately one
evening duty every three weeks on a rota basis, until
8.00pm.
Annual Leave:
25 days paid per leave year. This is exclusive of public
holidays and additional holidays approved by your employer.
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 an open ended contract, subject to a
six-month probationary period.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 17th April 2015
Please note, if you have not heard from us within 3 days of the interview date, you
have been unsuccessful in your application.
Interviews: Friday 1st May 2015