Level 2 point 10 on the University of London scale (£19,148pa inclusive of London Allowance; pay award pending)
THE IHR
Since its foundation in 1921, The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) has been an important resource and meeting place for researchers from all over the world. Full details of its extensive range of activities and services can be found atwww.history.ac.uk.
THE LIBRARY
The IHR Library forms part of the Senate House Libraries (SHLs) http://www.london.ac.uk/libraries but remains an integrated part of the Institute.
The Library is one of the most wide ranging and comprehensive collections of printed historical sources in the UK, and is designed for use by researchers at postgraduate level and above. Divided into national and topical collections, books are held in both open access and closed access locations, with a request service operated by Library staff. All material is reference only.
The Library holds in the region of 185,000 volumes and grows by about 2,000 volumes each year. The core of the Library is a comprehensive collection of the chief printed primary sources for the medieval and modern history of the British Isles and western Europe, their colonial expansion, the subsequent history of north and south America, international relations and war. The printed sources are supported by very substantial holdings of bibliographies, archival guides, works of methodology and reference works, with biographical sources a particular strength. There is also a large collection of the most essential historical periodicals and a selective but significant collection of microforms. Electronic resources can also be accessed on site.
The IHR and its Library is temporarily located in the south block of Senate House to facilitate the refurbishment of its north block premises. The move back is due to take place in 2014 once work is complete.
THE POST
The holder of the post will assist the IHR library staff, primarily in the selection and acquisition of new material, but also in the provision of services to users and in any other activities required to support the work of Library. The trainee will become familiar with the Innovative Millennium library system, and will also have some opportunity to work on the maintenance of the Library pages of the IHR website. The trainee will be encouraged to take full advantage of the programme of visits and other training which is available to all Senate House Libraries trainees.
The post will be available from the end of August 2014, for one year. The post is non-renewable and intended for applicants who plan to pursue a postgraduate course in library/information studies in autumn 2015.
Normal hours of work will be 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Friday, which may be varied slightly by mutual agreement, but the Graduate Trainee will also be required to work one evening shift per week (2.00pm-9.00pm) and on one Saturday in five (9.30am-5.30pm). There are 25 days annual leave (in addition to University of London and public holidays), and time in lieu is given for working on Saturdays.
APPLICANTS
Applicants should have a degree in medieval and/or modern history or one with significant historical content relating to the collections of the IHR library, a competent level of IT skills, and some knowledge of a major western European language (other than English; French, German, Spanish or Italian preferred). Applicants should have good interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently and as part of a small team. They need to be prepared to work in what may well be a rapidly changing environment. They should be committed to a career in librarianship.
ENQUIRIES
We shall be glad to answer enquiries sent to IHR.Library@sas.ac.uk.
APPLICATIONS
Applications should include a full CV, covering letter, contact details for two referees, and the University’s forms for personal details and equal opportunities monitoring LINK TO ONLINE APPLICATION
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 2nd February 2014.
(Interviews will be held in February 2014)