Library Curator

Job Description:

Eton College are seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual with experience of working with special collections, strong communication skills and a flexible approach to join our small, busy team.

Eton College Library, established in the 1440s, houses over 150,000 rare books and manuscripts, which range in date from the 9th to the 21st century.  The collection is used by researchers and for teaching Etonians and groups from other schools. Regularly changing library exhibitions are open to visitors.

The Curator’s position will involve the management, promotion and interpretation of College Library’s collections, with special responsibility for early (pre-1800) collections. The Curator will also be expected to contribute to collection management and cataloguing, as well as to the library’s exhibition and education programmes.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including; an 11% em ployer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discount at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

• Catalogue pre-1800 printed and manuscript material to MARC21, AACR2, DCRM and LCSH standards
• Maintain cataloguing guidelines and documentation, and provide induction training on the cataloguing system to cataloguing staff or volunteers as required 
• Contribute to the development of the catalogue and related software, acting as the library’s liaison with relevant union catalogues
• Assist in the arrangement, rationalisation and rehousing of the library’s holdings as appropriate
• Contr ibute to the implementation and development of the library’s programme of preservation and conservation, with particular responsibility for early collections
• Contribute to the library’s acquisitions programme as directed (e.g. review booksellers’ and auction catalogues, correspond with potential donors, contribute to fundraising applications and make recommendations regarding materials offered)
• Take joint responsibility for reading room services. Assist visiting scholars as required. Answer enquiries concerning library materials, with particular responsibility for the early collections
• Contribute to developing the profile of the library within UK and international research communities
• Contribute content and generate ideas for College Library’s online presence and other communications (blog, Twitter, Collections Journal, etc.)

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) and experience of cataloguing rare books
• A working knowledge of one or more European languages, familiarity with books of the hand-press era and medieval and/or early modern manuscripts
• Experience of interpreting collection materials through exhibitions and other engagement projects would be an advantage
• Knowledge of MARC21, AACR2, DCRM(B) and LCSH cataloguing standards
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• An understanding of academic and research needs

About The College

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.