Libraries Curator

The historic library collections held by the National Trust for Scotland provide a rich and varied record of readership and intellectual history across more than 40 historic properties. The Libraries Curator will lead initiatives to bring these collections to life for our visitors and open them up for researchers, both in person and digitally. Displayed and managed within historic settings, the current lack of centrally managed and accurate book listing hinders research, interpretation, and storytelling. With expertise in book history and rare books cataloguing, the Libraries Curator will work with external stakeholders and colleagues across the Trust to spearhead initiatives to catalogue and preserve the collections, open them up for research and enhanced visitor engagement, and to raise the profile of these collections both nationally and internationally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plan and deliver a series of projects in book cataloguing to ensure a consistent standard of cataloguing across NTS properties, including recruiting and managing temporary staff, and managing project budgets to ensure targets and standards are met
• Deliver long-term improvements to the management of library collections at NTS through ongoing internal advocacy and contributions to strategic planning, both regionally and centrally
• Build and maintain key stakeholder relationships across the historic library sector, representing NTS at national and international sector events where appropriate
• Develop and implement policies for the management, cataloguing and development of library collections at the Trust to recognised professional standards
• Develop research strategies, and build partnerships to align external research requests with NTS research priorities
• Support the development of innovative visitor experiences and engagement activities relating to, and using, our library collections, both in person and online
• Build and maintain relationships with colleagues across NTS, to support better care, and security of library collections, as well as improved access and interpretation – this will be done in partnership with regional curators, regional conservators, and with property staff
• Promote NTS library collections nationally and internationally by researching the collections and sharing the outcomes with using the Trust’s main digital channels, and through external professional networks.
• Other duties and responsibilities which may arise, ensuring that any work produced is outcome led, focused on delivery, and meets the needs of historic properties.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

Essential

University Degree/Post Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies OR equivalent professional experience, such as 5 years experience of working with rare books in a professional library role

Driving License, valid for driving within the UK

Desirable

• Training and experience in book conservation and collections management
• Project and/or personnel management qualification

Experience

Essential

1. Experience and confidence in applying recognised international standards for the cataloguing of rare books, particularly with DCRM.
2. Bibliographic knowledge of early modern printed books
3. Demonstrable experience of using library collections management systems/databases
4. Strong team player
5. Experience of managing projects in a cultural heritage environment
6. Excellent time management and ability to deal well with changing priorities and multiple stakeholders
7. Excellent communication skills – both written and presentational
8. Dynamic approach to making books ‘come alive’ through innovative interpretation and promotion and use of social media

Desirable

1. Understanding of the principles of conservation and the practicalities of caring for rare books within historic buildings.
2. An interest in integrated collections management across museums, archive and library collections
3. Knowledge of a foreign language
4. Line Management experience
5. Experience of using library cataloguing module of ‘Axiell Collections’ collections management system
6. University level course of study in book history or demonstrable research interest in book history