Senior Resource Description Assistant

Location: Collections and Resource Description (C&RD), Osney One Building, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EW

About the role

The Bodleian Libraries form part of the University of Oxford’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) division and are responsible for building, managing and making accessible one of the world’s most significant research library collections. Within this context, the Resource Discovery department plays a key role in ensuring collections are discoverable to our library users.

You will work as part of the Foreign Languages Cataloguing Team, creating high-quality catalogue records for monographs in Western and Eastern European languages through copy and original cataloguing. You will catalogue a wide range of material, including bibliographically complex items, applying Library of Congress Subject Headings and classification schemes, alongside relevant in-house standards. You will contribute to the distribution of materials across the Libraries, respond to reader and staff queries, and support projects that improve workflows and services. Full training in cataloguing and classification will be provided.

This role involves regular manual handling, including moving books using trolleys and physical aids.

This is a permanent, full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week.

About You

You will have advanced knowledge of German and good reading knowledge of at least one other Eastern European language, particularly Greek or a Balkan language. You will bring experience of structured data entry in an online environment, alongside a calm, methodical approach and excellent attention to detail. You will be able to work independently while also contributing effectively within a small team, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and strong communication skills. You will be confident using current office applications, software and communication tools, and be willing to learn new systems and standards as required.

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, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents must be submitted to 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 Emma Sullivan, Interim Head of Resource Description, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (emma.sullivan@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 by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 26^th January 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 12^th February 2026.

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