Assistant Librarian

Assistant Librarian
Full-time 41 hours per week

On-site 5 days per week
Permanent contract
£29,642
Application deadline: 12pm 16th January 2026



About the role

The British Museum is hiring an Assistant Librarian in their Collection Projects and Resources department. This will see you work as part of the team responsible for managing the Museum's library collections and facilitating access for staff and external users.

The postholder is responsible for supporting the development of print and digital resources across the Museum's libraries and the delivery of high quality, customer-focussed library and heritage services including user education, cataloguing and appraisal.



Key areas of responsibility

* Operational Support: Manage library collections, act as first point of contact for research enquiries, loans and administration.
* Cataloguing & Access: Assist with cataloguing using multiple classification systems; ensure access to library resources for staff and public.
* Library Maintenance & Finance: Maintain organisation of materials, track locations, and handle finance administration.
* Collection & Project Support: Assist with acquisition, subscriptions, preservation, disposal of materials, and contribute to library projects.
* Education & Volunteer Development: Support user education with guidance, induction and training, and help develop volunteer placements.



About you

You are organised, proactive and passionate about delivering excellent library services. You enjoy working collaboratively and can communicate clearly with a wide range of users. Attention to detail and the ability to prioritise tasks are key strengths, alongside a flexible approach to problem-solving.

You are confident using digital tools and eager to learn new systems. An interest in heritage collections and supporting access to knowledge will help you thrive in this role. Above all, you bring curiosity, reliability, and a commitment to providing a high-quality, user-focused service.



Benefits

* Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
* Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
* Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK's most generous defined benefit schemes - guaranteed income for life.
* Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
* Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
* Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
* Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.



Our values

Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:

* Care Deeply
* Embrace the Unknown
* Spark Curiosity
* Value Many Voices



Additional details

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details

*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants*

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=cm9yeS5idXJucy44NTc2NS4xMTE5M0Bicml0aXNobXVzZXVtLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ