Project Cataloguer

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with an interest in rare book cataloguing to join our busy, small team. This post would suit an early career librarian wishing to gain experience of working with special collections.

Eton College Library, established in the 1440s, houses over 150,000 rare books and manuscripts, which range in date from the 9th to the 21st century.  The collection is used by researchers and for teaching Etonians and groups from other schools. Regularly changing library exhibitions are open to visitors.

The Project Cataloguer will assist with completion of a major cataloguing project creating original catalogue records for 19th - 21st century materials and reference materials. The postholder will also have the opportunity to contribute to the library’s education and public engagement programmes.

Please note that this role will require some lone working at the library’s recently refurbished external store (approximately 5-minute walk from the library).

Candidates must have a library qualification or relevant practical cataloguing experience.

Eton College prides itself on a warm and friendly community, where staff are valued and offered an outstanding working environment amidst beautiful surroundings, including a wide range of benefits. 

Working pattern

This is a part-time, 12 month fixed-term position, 52 weeks of the year (inclusive of 5.8 weeks paid holiday entitlement). 

Working hours will be 28 hours a week, working either 4 days Tuesday - Friday or 5 days Monday - Friday (the working pattern to be agreed with the new postholder).

Flexibility is required as the nature of this post requires some evening and weekend hours, which will be scheduled in advance in consultation with the post holder and for which time off in lieu will be given.

Interviews to take place week commencing 1st July 2024

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

 
BenefitsEton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.
Main DutiesCollection Management

Catalogue 19th-21st-century collection materials to MARC21, AACR2, DCRM(B) and LCSH standards; catalogue other library materials as appropriate. Perform bibliographic research as necessary. Identify materials in need of conservation, and contribute to the development and implementation of the library’s conservation programme;
Assist in the arrangement and rationalisation of library holdings;
Maintain statistics of work carried out, monitor workflow against agreed milestones and prepare reports as required.

Interpretation, promotion, public services

Contribute to engagement efforts relating to College Library and its holdings;
Assist with library teaching and visits including creation of temporary displays;
Deliver informal tours to visiting individuals and groups, as well as Eton students and staff;
Assist with special events such as the college’s Fourth of June and St Andrew’s Day open days and other weekend occasions (3 half days a year);
Contribute content to Collections social media and publications (print and web);
Contribute to the efficient running and staffing of the library office and supervising researchers as directed.

Safeguarding

Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

Additional 

Carry out any other duties appropriate to the post and in line with the needs of the Collections.

The Ideal CandidateTo be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following;

Essential

A librarianship qualification or relevant practical cataloguing experience;
Previous experience of electronic cataloguing;
Knowledge of MARC21, AACR2 and LCSH cataloguing standards;
Strong IT skills, including ability to use the Microsoft Office suite;
Ability to work as part of a team, use own initiative and organise own workload;
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage a wide range of tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, both written and spoken;
A first degree (or equivalent relevant professional experience);
Demonstrable interest in aspects of the Eton College Library collections.

Desirable

Experience of library cataloguing of special collections materials;
Understanding of preservation and conservation management in libraries and archives;
Familiarity with Collections Index+/Books Index+ (training will be given);
A degree (or equivalent) in English literature, history or other discipline relevant to the library collections;
Experience of using rare books archives, and/or manuscripts in exhibitions or engagement projects;
Some understanding of archival collections and description standards.

About The CollegeWe are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.