Alfred Brendel Curator of Music & Subject Librarian for Music

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Contract type: Permanent

About the role

You will lead the Bodleian Libraries’ Music collections and services, with the post divided approximately two-thirds in Special Collections and one-third in Humanities Libraries. You will develop excellent and integrated services across both locations, manage and develop the Music Special Collections team, shape collection development and cataloguing, and take responsibility for relevant budgets and acquisitions.

You will provide expert support to students, researchers and the wider public, including reference and instruction services, research and information skills training, and interpretation of Oxford’s rich print, manuscript, sound and digital resources. You will advocate for the collections through exhibitions, displays and public engagement, contribute to fundraising and digitisation activity, work closely with colleagues, and represent the Libraries through relevant national and international professional bodies.

This is a permanent, full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week. The postholder will lead a team on-site, and will be responsible for special collections in the Library, so the possibility of remote working is not available for this post.

About You

You will have a professional archival or library qualification, a degree in Music, or both, together with substantial experience of working in a research library or archive. You will have substantial knowledge and experience of Music librarianship and information resources, including familiarity with copyright and licensing issues, and expert experience of developing, managing and making effective use of Music research and special collections. You will be able to read music and will bring wide historical knowledge of Music and musical terminology. Experience of Music composition or practice and knowledge of additional European languages would be desirable.

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.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement 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 Martin Kauffmann, Head of Early and Rare Collections, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (martin.kauffmann@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 (BST) on Monday 21^st September 2026 can be considered. The expected interview date is to be confirmed.

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