Role Purpose

This is a new, fixed term role at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives - a small, friendly team responsible for providing public access to the extensive archive and local history library collections relating to the borough and its communities. Located at 277 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DQ, Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives welcomes several thousand people per year, who may be doing personal research in the Reading Room or attending an exhibition or event about East End history.

The postholder will work three/four days per week on the Reading Room Enquiry Desk, including Thursday evenings and two Saturdays per month, helping members of the public with their local history enquiries. The remaining days will be spent on collections management tasks, supporting the Archivists, Local Studies Librarian and Archives Manager.

Key Responsibilities

This is a customer facing role for someone who is familiar with archive and local history collections and keen to help members of the public get the most out of using them. The work involves assisting researchers to use the catalogue and online databases such as Ancestry; shelving and fetching material from the strongroom; answering email and phone enquiries; scanning and processing digital image orders; and other associated admin tasks.

The postholder will also undertake collections management tasks including shelf surveys, box listing, location management and repackaging.

The postholder will supervise volunteers and placements and also support THLHLA's social media and public events programme.

Requirements

You must have experience of using the CALM archive catalogue database, or a demonstrable aptitude for using a similar cataloguing database or spreadsheets.

You will enjoy and thrive working as part of a friendly team while also having a disciplined approach to independent work which can be long and/or monotonous.

You will have excellent IT, admin and interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail and a keen interest in the histories of London's East End. Familiarity with the area's current geography and resident communities, and/or Tower Hamlets Council and its operations is desirable.

The post is subject to approval of references and an enhanced DBS check which is satisfactory to the employer.

Additional Information

This is a 12 month, full-time fixed term contract.

The postholder will work two Saturdays per month, taking either the preceding Friday or the following Monday as TOIL. Time and a third is payable for hours worked on a Saturday. You will also work the late shift on a Thursday (11am-7pm), usually fortnightly.

Applications must be made through the council's recruitment system Alvius by the individual applicant. CVs received via agencies or through job aggregator sites like Indeed will not be considered.

This post is contracted to work 35 hours a week, normally 9am to 5pm. The appointee will be automatically opted-into the Local Government Pension Scheme but can opt out if they wish.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Richard Wiltshire, Archives Manager (richard.wiltshire@towerhamlets.gov.uk).

Application Details

This post is open to the following types of applicants: External/ Redeployees/ Internal

Closing date: Monday 3 March

Interview date: Monday 24 March

All applications should be made via our online application system, no CV’s or alternative forms of applications are accepted. Internal employees should apply via the council's Intranet. External applicants apply via the Council's website www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/careers

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