Collections Assistant

Location: Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG

Are you interested in working in the cultural sector and participating in the world of exhibitions, libraries and archives? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join the Bodleian Libraries Exhibitions team, part of Public Engagement, working with diverse communities and audiences. This post will give you an opportunity to help stage exhibitions and displays by ordering and tracking library materials and working with colleagues from many parts of the Library. 

About the role

After training, you will use Library systems to order, return and track the movement of Library materials, communicating with the reading room, imaging services, conservation and other departments. You will use spreadsheets and the Bodleian Libraries’ collection management systems to find and track material and keep accurate records. You will become competent in using the online and manual Library systems for ordering materials and liaise with colleagues to arrange access to material when needed. You will also collate Public Engagement data for evaluation and assessment and assist with creating exhibition reports. The Library holds a wonderful array of material, from medieval manuscripts to the archives of famous poets and politicians and you will be handling this material with appropriate care.

This is a permanent part-time post, working 21.9 hours per week, either three days a week or distributed over several days. The physical and collection focus of the role means you would be based in the Weston Library.

This role involves lifting collection items up to 5kg, and loading and pushing a book trolley.

About You

An eye for detail: You must have a high level of accuracy in reading and transcribing numbers and figures and an excellent eye for detail.

Keeping records: You should have previous and demonstrable experience of record-keeping.

Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills and good proficiency with the Microsoft Office package are essential.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and the attached supporting evidence form as part of your online application. The supporting evidence form lists each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description – please explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Sallyanne Gilchrist, Exhibitions Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (Sallyanne.gilchrist@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online before 12:00 midday (BST) on Friday 5 September 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 15 September 2025.

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