The British Library is looking to recruit a full-time Cataloguer of Photographs. This exciting new opportunity is part of the Library’s Hidden Collections initiative to increase access to the 19th and 20th century British and global photographic collections. Working with one of the world’s major collections of historic photographs, this is a rare and exciting opportunity to help make these specialist collections discoverable for research, innovation, and enjoyment, for wider dissemination and re-use. The post holder will work on important photographic collections including works by Nevil Story-Maskelyne (1823-1911) and his wife Thereza Dillwyn Llewelyn (1834-1926), photographic negatives by travel writer Robert Byron (1905-1941), as well as the photographic collections of Michael Katakis (b. 1952).
Tasks will include sorting, appraising and describing materials to professional national and international cataloguing standards, as well as assessing conservation needs, identifying potential data protection issues and finding long-term preservation solutions for storage of the material. The role will involve working with the BL's important photographic collections, with the opportunity to contribute to the outreach programme through blog posts, social media and other activities.
We are looking for someone who has experience in cataloguing 19th century photographs and the ability to identify early printing processes. To be successful in this role you have experience of handling historic photographic collections, be technically proficient, have the ability to make sound and timely cataloguing decisions as well as be able to work independently and in a team environment.
As one of the world’s great libraries, our duty is to preserve the nation’s intellectual memory for the future and make it available to all for research, inspiration and enjoyment. At present we have well over 170 million items, in most known languages, with three million new items added every year. We have manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, prints and drawings, music scores, and patents. We make our collections and programmes available to all. We operate the world’s largest document delivery service providing millions of items a year to customers all over the world. What matters to us is that we preserve the national memory and enable knowledge to be created both now and in the future by anyone, anywhere.
In return we offer a competitive salary and a number of excellent benefits. Our pension scheme is one of the most valuable benefits we offer, as our staff can become members of the Alpha Pension Scheme where the Library contributes a minimum of 26.6% (this may be higher dependent on grade. Another significant benefit the Library provides is the provision of a flexible working hours scheme which could allow you to work your hours flexibly over the week and to take up to 5 days flexi leave in a 3 month period. This is on top of 25 days holiday from entry and public and privilege holidays.
Full Time, Fixed Term for 18 months
For further information and to apply, please visit www.bl.uk/careers quoting vacancy ref: 04502 or Vacancy Details (zellis.com).
Closing date: 12 April 2023
Interview date: 25/26 April 2023
We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role, as it does not meet the eligibility criteria required for this immigration route.
