Science Museum Librarian

Are you passionate about connecting people with world-class collections and making archives and rare books accessible to all?

About us

With around 7 million items, our rich archive and library collections are of outstanding significance both nationally and internationally. This is an exciting time for SMG's Archives and Libraries with our new strategy setting out how our collections will be the best in the world in our fields: well-understood, well-housed and accessible (physically and digitally) and used effectively by us and others for research, display, learning and pleasure.

The Dana Research Centre and Library provides open access to around 7,000 books and periodicals covering the history and biography of science, technology, and medicine, as well as providing access to the Science Museum's rich collections of archives and rare books, stored at SMG's National Collections Centre at Wroughton, near Swindon.

To support our amazing space, we are looking for a Science Museum Librarian based at the Dana Research Centre and Library on a permanent basis. This is a part time opportunity for 28 hours a week, typically Monday to Thursday from 9am until 5pm, although some flexibility will be required depending on library capacity.

About the role

As Science Museum Librarian, you will be the face of the library, proactively finding innovative ways to attract visitors. Working closely with the Collections, Research, and Public History teams, the role supports the Science Museum's priorities and ensure the intellectual care and development of our collection. It involves providing physical access to library materials and archives, collaborating with Archive and Library colleagues across SMG to maintain high standards of customer service and meet KPIs, and engaging with diverse audiences for our books and archives.

The role involves leading and developing a programme of tours and inductions for both colleagues and the public. By delivering access to the library and archives through a friendly and welcoming reading room experience, you'll help build strong relationships with internal and external users that reflect our values of igniting curiosity, being open for all, and revealing wonder.

About you

We welcome applications from candidates with experience working in a research or collections library. You might be early in your library career, perhaps recently qualified or completing your master's, and looking to develop your skills in a museum library setting. You'll be an ideas-driven individual who enjoys thinking about the bigger picture and finding creative ways to increase engagement and drive visits to the library.

You will have experience overseeing or supervising volunteers or team members, ideally in a library, archive, or cultural setting. You'll bring a genuine enthusiasm for working with science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM) collections. You will also understand the handling and invigilation requirements for rare books and archives, along with excellent customer service skills and a friendly, professional manner.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
* All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjUzMDQ1LjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t