We are seeking to appoint an Archivist to manage and develop access to the library’s outstanding Christian Brethren Archive. The post is 35 hours per week (full time) until 31 March 2022, with the possibility of an extension subject to securing external funding.
The Christian Brethren Archive is the largest collection in the world relating to a group of independent Christian congregations often referred to as the Plymouth Brethren, Christian Brethren, or simply Brethren. The Archive includes the personal papers of many leading figures in the Brethren movement, as well as institutional archives, such as missionary records of the Echoes of Service agency. There are also over 17,000 books, pamphlets and tracts, and 280 periodical titles. As well as being the world’s foremost source for the history of the Brethren movement, the archive has huge research potential across a wide range of disciplines, from British social history to the colonial and postcolonial studies.
You will be a graduate with a professional qualification in archives administration or similar. In addition, you will have excellent communication and team-working skills; have excellent IT and social media skills and a demonstrable understanding of how advanced digital technologies can unleash the potential of Special Collections for academic audiences; be committed to the exploitation of Special Collections for teaching, learning and research; and have experience of teaching and learning and of training staff and students in using special collections.
The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections help us to deliver a world-class library and information service for The University of Manchester. While our primary objective is to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of University members, we are also fully committed to widening access to our services to individual researchers, local schools and others in the regional community.
Culture and Values
The University of Manchester Library strives to create a working environment that is supportive and rewarding, providing a platform from which we can achieve our ambitious strategy. This culture and our values are demonstrated through the University’s values:
- Knowledge: we are ambitious in our pursuit of new ideas, greater understanding and discovery.
- Wisdom: we share and apply our knowledge and experience to guide balanced and evidenced decisions for ourselves and for society.
- Humanity: we embrace and celebrate difference, respect and support each other, and act with integrity to benefit society and the environment by transforming and enriching lives.
- Academic freedom: we support with enthusiasm and vigour the principles of freedom of thought and speech.
- Courage: we think and speak freely, and act boldly to challenge assumptions and shape our future for the greater good.
- Pioneering spirit: in the radical Manchester spirit, and inspired by our people, history and scale, we create the exceptional.
It’s important that all colleagues share in this vision and are committed to helping create a working environment that is both rewarding and fulfilling. Please consider this before applying for this role.
Hours & Place of Work
Normal working hours are 35 hours per week.
The start date will be 1 April 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter by mutual agreement.
This post is based primarily in the Main Library, Oxford Road. However, all Library employees are required to work at any Library site, as necessary.
All Library staff are required to wear an identity badge.
Interviews are likely to be held in early February 2022.
You should demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria required in the person specification by giving specific examples in the “additional information” section of the online application form.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: John Hodgson, Associate Director (Curatorial Practices)
Email: john.hodgson@manchester.ac.uk.
General enquiries:
Email: People-od.operations@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
