Job Purpose

To assist in providing Archives & Special Collections (ASC) client-focussed services. To provide entry-level experience for those seeking a career in archives, record-keeping or rare books and manuscripts librarianship.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.     Invigilate the use of ASC collections by service users, providing guidance on access and handling where necessary, ensuring safe and secure access to collections.

2.     Assisting in the answering of enquiries to a consistently high standard to satisfy the research needs of service users.

3.     Assisting in the delivery of the Collections Classroom and Virtual Reading Room services.

4.     Carrying out reprographics tasks and assist in the supply of image content to support the research needs of service users.

5.     Contributing to the long-term preservation of the collections by handling items appropriately, supervising users’ handling of items, maintaining a safe and appropriate reading room environment, and repackaging items.

6.     Promoting our collections and services through creating content for social media channels.

7.     Supporting service delivery by retrieving items from storage and reshelving them after use.

8.     First-stage listing (under supervision) of newly-arrived items to provide initial access.

9.     Any other engagement duties as directed by the Line Manager, other Engagement Team managers and as directed in wider Library Collections or Information Services.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Honours degree at 2:1 level or above (or international equivalent).

A2 The intention of applying for a post-graduate archive and records management course, or library and information studies course, and making a career in either the record-keeping or the rare book & manuscript librarianship professions.

Desirable:

B1 An understanding of archive and special collections work.

B2 An understanding of information legislation as it relates to archives and special collections.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Ability to pay attention to detail and work with accuracy.

C2 Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

C3 Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

C4 Ability to respond to changing priorities as directed.

C5 Excellent IT skills including with Microsoft 365 applications.

C7 Safe physical handling of items.

Desirable:

D1 Ability to use archive and/or special collections catalogues to find relevant items.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Interacting with the public in a customer service role.

E2 Working or volunteering in an archive, library, museum or other record-keeping environment (including remote volunteering e.g. see National Archives remote volunteering opportunities page: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/get-involved/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/remote-opportunities/).

E3 Using social media – e.g. Bluesky, Instagram, Wordpress, Flickr.

Desirable:

F1 Working in an office environment.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £24,685 - £25,249 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term until the 13th August 2027

Closing date: 23:45 16th April 2026

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.