Assistant Librarian (0.6 FTE)

iniva is seeking an enthusiastic, thoughtful and proactive Assistant Librarian to join our small, collaborative team at the Stuart Hall Library. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant specialist resource focused on contemporary visual art and diasporic histories.

Working at iniva is varied and hands-on. You will be part of a welcoming, front-facing library service while also contributing to the ongoing development of a unique collection that supports artists, researchers and communities.

As part of a small team, you will have the opportunity to build experience across multiple aspects of library practice and play a meaningful role in shaping access to a globally important collection.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Assistant Librarian supports the day-to-day operations of the Stuart Hall Library, contributing to the delivery of an accessible, high-quality research environment. The role combines front-facing reader services with core collection management responsibilities, including supporting access to physical and digital library collections, managing journal subscriptions, and assisting with research enquiries. Working closely with the Library Manager and wider team, the Assistant Librarian also contributes to public engagement activities and supports the effective running of the library through administration, volunteer supervision, and operational duties.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for an approachable and motivated librarian who is committed to supporting an inclusive and research-focused library service. You will bring experience of working in a library or similar setting, along with an interest in contemporary art, diaspora narratives, and critical approaches to Black and Global Majority art collections and access. We welcome candidates with lived experience and/or a strong connection to these areas.

You will be confident engaging with a wide range of users and responding to research enquiries, with a strong sense of initiative and the ability to manage competing priorities. Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, you will enjoy contributing to a small team where flexibility and shared responsibility are essential.

You will also demonstrate care and attention in collection work, alongside a willingness to learn and develop your skills, particularly in specialist areas such as cataloguing, metadata standards, or digital resources.

Experience with managing journal subscriptions, KOHA and knowledge of contemporary visual arts are desirable, but training will be provided.

We recognise that candidates bring a range of skills and experiences. If you meet most of the criteria and are excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the role of Assistant Librarian at iniva, please send the following three documents as attachments in either PDF or Word format to recruitment@iniva.org with ‘Assistant Librarian’ as the email subject: 

• a supporting statement(of no more than 2 pages) outlining why you want to work for iniva and how you meet the person specification

• your CV(no more than 2 pages)

• a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Formwhich can be downloadedhere.

As part of your application, please also provide the names of two referees who can be contacted upon receipt of a conditional job offer.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

DEADLINE

The deadline for applications is Friday 24 July 2026 at 11.59pm.
Applications received after this time will not be accepted.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will take place in two stages at iniva. Selected candidates will be notified by 29 July 2026 and interview questions will be sent in advance. 

Candidates shortlisted for the first stage will be interviewed on 4 August, with selected applicants progressing to a second interview on 17 August. 

A short-written task or presentation will form part of the process, and full guidance will be provided in advance.

Please note that, due to limited resources, applicants not shortlisted for the first round of interviews will not be contacted. 

Please note due to limited resources, unfortunately, applicants not shortlisted for the first round of interviews will not be informed.