THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MANAGING EMPLOYER: LAMBETH PALACE LIBRARY
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
Assistant Archivist (Cataloguing)
GRADE:
Band 6
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace Library, London SE1 7JU
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Senior 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 cataloguing (records of the
Community of St Andrew and the Council on Foreign Relations)
and work on the Library’s digital image collections.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Cataloguing archives using CALM for Archives collection management software, for web
delivery via the Library’s online catalogue.
2. Following recognised descriptive standards (ISAD[G], ISAAR[CPF], NCA Rules) and
conforming to Library procedures, creating catalogue descriptions and where appropriate
adding authority records for personal names, organisations, and places.
3. Appraising records where necessary.
4. Packaging material appropriately to ensure its preservation and reporting on conservation
needs where necessary.
5. Assisting with planning to keep to project targets and reporting progress, for instance in the
Library’s Annual Review.
6. Where appropriate, identifying collection processing tasks suitable for paraprofessional staff
and delegating work to them.
7. Developing a working knowledge of the collections and their context, and where necessary
answering associated enquiries.
8. Identifying material for use in outreach.
9. Appraising and cataloguing the Library’s digital image collections.
10. 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.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Education:
 Good level of education including an honours degree or equivalent, preferably in history
 Professional qualification in archives management
Skills/Aptitudes:
 Good IT and keyboarding skills, including Microsoft Office
 Good oral and written communication skills
Knowledge/Experience:
 Experience of working with archive cataloguing software, preferably CALM for Archives
 Familiarity with the application of current descriptive and authority standards
 Familiarity with Data Protection legislation
 Knowledge of and interest in modern British history and/or ecclesiastical history with
reference to the subjects covered by the collections
Personal Attributes:
 Self-motivation and the ability to work on own initiative and with minimal supervision
 Ability to organise own work and prioritise duties, contributing to planning workflows and
timescales with regard to different tasks
 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

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with a
range of people and to work as a member of a team
Desirable
Knowledge/Experience:
 Experience of project work and/or cataloguing/appraising large collections
 Experience in applying the requirements of the Data Protection Act to modern papers
 Familiarity with issues relating to digital image collections
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 £23,832 per annum. On
satisfactory completion of the probationary period the salary will
rise to the standard point for the band £25,373 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 12.5-month fixed-term contract, subject to a
three-month probationary period.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 2nd January 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: Wednesday 21st January 2015