Collections Assistant

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Skills

Digitisation

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

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Location
London
 
Full job description
Collections Assistant

Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Location: London


About the Role:

We are seeking someone with an interest in heritage looking for an opportunity to work with mixed collections. The successful candidate will assist with the updating, review and maintenance of HEC’s collection databases and systems, covering a mixed collection of archives, library and museum objects. They will be based between the historic home of Lloyd’s Register in a Grade II* listed building in central London and an offsite storage facility in Woolwich.


They will assist with any required internal digitisation and use of image editing software to ensure that assets are correctly cropped, colour corrected and enhanced. The role holder will also process these files using OCR software to provide greater accessibility; these files will then be batched and delivered to relevant stakeholders for public access, research or internal use.


There will also be requirements on the role to assist with high resolution imagery retrievals and to assist with archive and library research enquiries more widely, both in person and through emails or online forms. The post holder will be required to provide ongoing assistance to the Archivist, wider archives team and the Research Librarian as and where necessary. This may include but is not limited to, invigilating the library reading room, contributing to the upkeep of a tidy and well-maintained library and archive storage spaces and research environments, sorting and shelving books and journals, production and return of archival material and rare books and the handling of museum objects. Additionally, the candidate may be required to support with engagement events such as tours of a grade II* listed building, show and tell sessions or through the production of blogs and social media posts.


We are seeking someone who is committed to making archives and library collections accessible, with skills in collection handling, analogue and digital. You will be adaptable, well-motivated and enthusiastic, and will be able to organise your workload and prioritise tasks accordingly. Additionally, you should be able to work individually under your own initiative, as well as enjoying working as part of a larger team.


What we offer you

The opportunity to work for an organization that has a strong sense of purpose, is values driven and helps colleagues to develop professionally and personally through our range of people development programmes

The Role

Updating and reviewing of the Heritage Centre’s Collections system, including cataloguing, reviewing, maintaining, and updating system data and metadata to ISAD (G), Spectrum and MARC standards (or other relevant industry standards).
Cataloguing and QA of digital asset descriptions.
Liaise with external suppliers and stakeholders for the ongoing maintenance of essential hardware, e.g. robotic book scanner.
Assist with the production of library and archive material ready for in-person research, and the correct returning and shelving
Assist with answering of research enquiries, both in person and online
Provide support on the day to day upkeep of the library and archive storage spaces and research environments
Provide key support to all collection management processing activity, e.g. accessioning, cataloguing, conservation etc.
Assist in the management of an ongoing programme of internal and external digitisation, alongside the Archivist.

What you bring

The applicant must have a degree in History or related subject as well as a genuine interest in preserving records for posterity.
A keen interest in data and digital systems.
Awareness of GDPR protocols and digital preservation standards.
Good communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of users.
Excellent research and writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Experience in Microsoft office programs, social media platforms, databases, website CMS, Google analytics.
The ability to anticipate and respond to changing needs and digital media.
Flexible approach to adjust the role as the position develops.

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