THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MANAGING EMPLOYER: TRUSTEES OF LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
Archives Assistants (2 posts)
GRADE:
Band 7
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace Library, Lambeth Palace, 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 (over 30,000 dating
from before 1700), over 5000 manuscripts (600 of which are medieval),
and large quantities of archives. The Library continues to receive the
official papers of the Archbishops 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
collection management software.
JOB SUMMARY:
The posts are designed as experience for those intending to undertake a
postgraduate course in archives management. They provide opportunities
to develop an understanding of varying aspects of the work and
collections of a research library, including public service work and
cataloguing.
The core duties include assisting in the administration and invigilation of
the Reading Room, including admission of readers and fetching material,
and creating catalogue records using CALM for Archives. There are also
opportunities to contribute to outreach initiatives, preservation work and
reprographics services, and for visits and training activities.
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MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.
Assisting in the running and invigilation of the Reading Room by admitting readers, producing
material and other related duties.
2.
Answering public enquiries and advising readers on sources in the Library and elsewhere.
3.
Creating catalogue records using CALM for Archives.
4.
Assisting with providing copies of material for readers in various formats.
5.
Supervising visitors to the Library, including maintenance contractors and tour groups.
6.
Assisting with work on archives and manuscripts (eg foliating, repackaging etc.).
7.
Contributing to the Library’s outreach work, including social media, 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.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Education:
 Good level of education including an honours degree or equivalent, preferably in history.
 Commitment to the archives profession, ideally with the intention to undertake a relevant
postgraduate qualification.
Skills/Aptitudes:
 IT literate, and familiar with Microsoft Office applications.
 Good verbal and written communication skills.
Personal Attributes:
 Able to work unsupervised and as a member of a team.
 Able to organise own work and prioritise duties.
 Able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
 Able to work methodically and accurately and to agreed standards.
 Able to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with members of the public, and committed to
providing a good service.
Knowledge/Experience:
 Relevant experience in a record office or similar institution.
 Familiarity with archive management systems, preferably CALM for Archives.
 Experience of working in a public service environment.
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Circumstances:
Lambeth Palace Library occupies historic premises dating from the 15th century onwards. Candidates
must be able to:
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Work in an historic building, which contains spiral staircases and no passenger lifts.
Move books, archive boxes, etc and negotiate stairs carrying boxes.
Work with items in poor condition.
Desirable
Knowledge/Experience:
 An interest in history, especially ecclesiastical history, and a knowledge of British history.
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.
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TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Starting Salary:
£20,153 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 – 9:30 am to
5:30pm 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. Time off in lieu will be given.
Annual Leave:
25 days paid leave 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 posts are offered on fixed-term contracts of twelve months from 1st
September 2014 or soon afterwards, subject to a one month probationary
period.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 20th June 2014
Please note, if you have not heard from us within 3 days of the interview date, you have been
unsuccessful in your application.
Interviews: 9th July 2014
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