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Librarian
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About Us
Our rich archive and library collection contains around 7 million items and is of outstanding national and international significance. Our Archive and Library strategy sets out our ambitions for our collections to 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. We are committed to documenting our collections, making them available to more people than ever before and transforming customer service. The Science Museum Librarian role based at the Science Museum Library in London is fundamental to this by ensuring access and engagement with a wide range of audiences.
The Science Museum Library provides free access to around 8,000 books and periodicals covering the history and biography of science, technology, and medicine, as well as being the access point for the Science Museum Group’s rich collections of archives and rare books, stored at SMG’s Science and Innovation Park at Wroughton, near Swindon. We recently achieved Archive Service Accreditation. Examples of our collections include a 16th century copy of Andreas Vesalius’s De humani corporis fabrica (‘On the Structure of the Human Body’), an original copy of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica from 1686, the books from Stephen Hawking’s Cambridge office, our trade literature collection of over 100,000 promotional, advertising and instructional items from thousands of companies, Charles Babbage’s papers, and the archive of James Lovelock.
We have an Open For All policy and are committed to making all our archive and library collections discoverable via our catalogues, with some prioritised for digitisation. You will be supporting this and those colleagues and external researchers who want to access the physical items in our reading room.
About The Role
This role works closely with the Collections and Research teams to support the Science Museum’s priorities, and the development and intellectual care of the collection. The role is an essential part of a small, close-knit team consisting of the Senior Archives and Library Assistant (based in London), the Library Collections Manager and Science Museum Archivist (both based at the Science and Innovation Park), and several other library and archives colleagues in roles across SMG. As part of that team, you will be responsible for providing physical access to library material and archives, collaborating with Archive and Library colleagues to ensure consistent standards of customer service and KPIs are met, and engaging with wider audiences for our books and archives.
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This is a permanent, part-time role working 28 hours per week at £26,223 pro rata (full-time equivalent: £32,778). You'll be based at the Science Museum Library in London, where you'll be responsible for the physical running of the reading space. We need to maintain staffing during core hours Tuesday to Thursday, but we're flexible about how you structure those 28 hours around that - whether that's four full days, five reduced days, or another arrangement that suits you. Your schedule will be agreed upfront and managed fairly.
About You
We're keen to see applications from candidates who bring previous experience working in a research or collections library setting, or hold a recognised library qualification. You'll have genuine enthusiasm for STEM collections and a real understanding of what it takes to handle rare books and archives with proper care. But beyond the credentials, we're looking for someone with genuine conviction about what libraries can do - someone who sees the reading room not just as a space to manage, but as somewhere to actively invite people into.
You'll need confidence working independently when required, but equally, you're someone who thrives in close partnership - you'll work particularly closely with another Librarian, and building that collaborative relationship will be key to what you both achieve. You strike that balance between being genuinely welcoming and approachable (making researchers, students, colleagues and visitors feel valued when they arrive) and confidently maintaining the standards and boundaries that keep our collections safe. You're someone who advocates for the space - championing its value internally and externally - while also ensuring that everyone who uses it understands and respects how to look after irreplaceable materials.
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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 apply.
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.
- Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
- All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme 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 and cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
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