Are you an early-career researcher? Would you like to help shape the development of the Wohl Library of the Institute of Historical Research? We’re looking for an ECR to join the library and archive’s Advisory Committee.
Since 1921, the IHR library and archives have supported the work of the Institute, and provide a key resource for the historical profession and wider community of historians. Holding nearly 200,000 volumes of published primary and related reference works and caring for a substantial archive that records the history of the IHR and the wider professions, the library is a vital resouce for all those engaged in historical research.
Physically located next to the British Museum in London, we also offer open shelf reference access to monographs and journals, a growing slate of electronic resources and quiet, comfortably study spaces. The library also supports the wider mission of the IHR, supporting training, seminars, events, online activity, visits around the UK and promoting the importance of history to the broader public. Library membership is now free to all undertakin historical research. You can read more about the Wohl Library on the IHR website.
The Advisory Committee helps the library and archive shape its strategy and aims, and will support its outward-looking focus, making connections and starting conversations across academia and beyond. Currently, the Advisory Committee members are:
- Joan Allen, Newcastle University
- Anke Holdenried, University of Bristol
- Isabel Holowaty, University of Oxford
- David Stevenson, LSE
- Patrick Vollmer, House of Lords Library
- Pippa Willcox, The National Archives
- David Wykes, Dr Williams’s Library
- The Committee also includes ex officio an IHR student rep, Jo Fox, IHR Director, Matthew Shaw, IHR Librarian and Conor Wyer, IHR Manager.
We are seeking an ECR to join the Advisory Committee for a single (one-year) term in the first instance. We hope that this will bring insight into how historians make use of libraries in the digital age and the support that the library might offer to ECRs.
We also hope this could present a positive service and career-development opportunity. In effect, this will involve attending two meetings a year (and no further obligations or work outside this). The next Advisory Committee meeting is on 22 April 2020, 2.00-4.00 pm, with second meeting in October or November. There is no fee for members of the Advisory Board, but the IHR will pay all reasonable expenses.
How to apply
If you are interested in this Advisory Board role, please apply by 12 pm on Monday 13 January 2020. You should send a short email to matthew.shaw@sas.ac.uk, with the subject line ‘ECR application’, including the following information:
1. Your name, contact details and current or most recent institutional affiliation (this does not need to be a university).
2. A statement (maximum 100 words) explaining why you consider yourself to be ‘early career’ (we have no fixed eligibility criteria).
3. A statement (maximum 400 words) explaining why you would be interested in the Advisory Board role. This should include detail of any relevant interests or experience (academic or otherwise).
4. Confirmation that you are able to attend the Advisory Board meeting on 22 April.
Thank you for your interest