Project Coordinator: Archives

Introduction

Lambeth Palace Library is looking for a Project Coordinator: Archives to join their dynamic team as part of the National Church Institutions. The role focuses on the processing, interpretation and promotion of the Library’s collections for the benefit of all, in support of the vision and mission of the Library.  

In particular, contributing to the cataloguing of seventeenth- to twentieth-century records to enable further research into the church’s historic links with transatlantic chattel enslavement, and to undertake relevant outreach and engagement activities. 

The Church Commissioners manage the historic assets of the Church of England and fulfil other administrative functions in support of the Church’s mission. The Church Commissioners have recently undertaken research into the roots of these historic assets and have found that they have links to transatlantic chattel enslavement.  Forensic accounting research has been undertaken to understand the full financial links, but further research into our collection is required to gain a deeper knowledge of the full extent of the Commissioners’ historic involvement. As part of the Church Commissioners’ response to what they have learned about their history, they have committed funding to support other areas of the church to undertake their own research and this role will also support this area of work.   

Founded in 1610, Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and record office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the principal repository for the archives of the National Church Institutions in London. It is freely open for public use, serving as a research centre specialising in ecclesiastical history, but with far wider-ranging archive, manuscript and printed collections, dating from the 9th century to the present day and encompassing everything from medieval manuscripts and early printed books through to modern archives and digital records. 

The Library's vision is to collect, preserve and make accessible the memory of the Church of England, so that its history can be explored and understood by all. 

Further details may be found on the Library’s website: www.lambethpalacelibrary.info. 

1. Participating in outreach and engagement activities to engage diverse audiences and support research into historic links to transatlantic chattel enslavement. These activities will support the Library’s vision to be accessible to all, including community engagement and outreach programmes.
2. Reviewing and cataloguing archives using specialist software (for example, CALM Archives) for the Library’s online catalogue. This may also include uploading these records to hub catalogues and, where appropriate, updating or creating research guides.
3. Responding to our external and internal readers and researchers to promote the use of the collections. This includes, for example, supervising the Reading Room on a rota basis (with responsibility for security while on duty there), answering enquiries and supporting and advising church, dioceses and cathedrals on how to undertake their own research using the materials held in the collection. 
4. Improving collections knowledge through regular continuing professional development activities.
5. Working with colleagues to ensure the security and safe use of the collections.
6. Playing an active role in the wider work and relevant projects of the Engagement Team and the Library, as required. 

All staff working at the National Church Institutions share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.  

Essential 

Skills/Aptitudes: 

• Good IT and keyboarding skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• An interest in, and enthusiasm for, historical library and archive collections and in particular, collections relating to shared global histories.
• Ability to work within contested and historically complex areas with confidence, resilience and sensitivity. 

Knowledge/Experience: 

• A deep understanding of the history and legacy of African chattel enslavement. 
• Experience in undertaking methodical research and keeping associated records.
• Experience in promoting heritage to a wide and diverse audience and delivering appropriate outreach activities such as talks and hosting groups.
• Success in working collaboratively with researchers and other archivists to explore and catalogue archival material.

Personal Attributes: 

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to deal politely, confidently and efficiently with internal and external users.
• Willingness to undertake trauma-informed training in working with material relating to the history of transatlantic chattel enslavement.
• Ability to work unsupervised and as a member of a team.
• Ability to organise own work and prioritise duties.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work methodically and accurately showing attention to detail.
• Ability to work to agreed standards. 

Education: 

• Ability to demonstrate relevant knowledge, for example, through a professional qualification in archives management or equivalent experience. 

Circumstances:  

• Ability to handle items in diverse formats and conditions as necessary to the role in accordance with procedures relating to manual handling and working at height. 

Desirable  

Knowledge/Experience: 

• Experience in cataloguing archive, library, museum or other heritage collections.
• Familiarity with current descriptive and authority standards and experience in their application in collection processing. 
• Experience in reading handwriting from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries.
• Experience in producing finding aids to facilitate archival research. 
• Experience in supervision of members of the public consulting archive collections, and experience in a Reading Room housing multiple readers. 
• Experience in promoting archive collections, via exhibitions, social media or other engagement activities.

Please note, we are recruiting for two Project Coordinator: Archives.

• A salary of £34,801 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity