Early Career Librarian (3-year fixed term)
Early Career Librarian (3-year fixed term)
Salary: Grade 5 (Balliol pay scale) - £31,254 - £36,914 per annum, commensurate with skills and experience Contract type: Full-time, fixed termLocation: Balliol College, Oxford, OX1 3BJDepartment: College Library and ArchivesReports to: The College Librarian; the Assistant Librarian for day-to-day line managementResponsible for N/AHours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The normal working hours are 9am to 5pm, although there can be some flexibility. The ability to work evenings and weekends given reasonable notice is expected. Working hours would be adjusted in lieu of such work.Holiday: 6 weeks (30 days), plus Bank Holidays, during a complete holiday year, 5 of which are taken during the Christmas period when the College is closed. The College reserves the right to require staff to work on Bank Holidays during full term, receiving a day in lieu. Probation period: 4 monthsNotice period: 1 month on either side (during probation)
3 months on either side (after probation)
Balliol College
Situated in an historic site in central Oxford, Balliol has been a hub of learning and community since its foundation in 1263. As one of the larger colleges within the University of Oxford, it is home to roughly 860 students, with undergraduates making up just under half of the student body. The College also employs over 80 Fellows, 50 lecturers, and about 180 support staff, with Dame Helen Ghosh as its current Master, to be succeeded in July by Professor Seamus Perry. While academic excellence is at the core of Balliol’s mission, visitors are often struck by the College’s informal and welcoming atmosphere. Beyond its walls, Balliol has an active and engaged global community of over 10,000 alumni and donors.
Further information about the College is available at www.balliol.ox.ac.uk.
Purpose of the PostWorking as part of the Library team to assist in the general running of Balliol College Library services. Completing a Library Masters course by distance learning.
Job duties and responsibilities
The main duties are included below. This is not an exhaustive list and may be amended in line with College needs.
Principal responsibilitiesThe Early Career Librarian will take part in, and receive appropriate training for, all aspects of work in Balliol College Library. Specific duties will include:
Periodicals: Manage the Library’s subscriptions to journals and standing orders including, receiving and processing incoming journals/SOs, liaising with EBSCO and other providers to chase missing volumes, organising binding, processing renewals in consultation with the Librarian.
Circulation: Administer overdue reports and charges; administer hold requests; operate the Library security system; re-shelve returned books; keep stock tidy.
Reader services: Working with the rest of the team, organise reader inductions and information literacy training; take a lead role in maintaining and developing the Library’s current awareness service through signage, the Library website, Facebook and other media as appropriate; ensure that Library rules are observed and the reading room facilities function smoothly; contribute to staffing the enquiry desk and answering remote enquiries.
Collection management: Process new stock and maintain condition of existing stock; take part in stock management procedures from start to completion: selection, acquisition, and assessment of stock for disposal or transfer between sites. Particular responsibility for developing the study skills and DVD collections.
Cataloguing: Catalogue new stock on the ALAMA system using MARC21 and RDA. Training will be provided.
Library Disability Rep: Review and develop the Library’s promotion of the support it offers disabled students, particularly ahead of the new academic year; liaise with JCR and MCR Reps, the Undergraduate Admissions and Academic Administrator and other members of staff within College and the wider University to ensure a high quality of support for disabled students; be proactive in offering support to disabled students.
The Early Career Librarian will also:
- Be involved in invigilation, exhibitions and events at the St Cross Historic Collections Centre
- Contribute ideas to improve the Library service
- Attend professional meetings, conferences and training as directed by the Assistant Librarian/Librarian.
- Take on any other duties and projects as deemed necessary by the Assistant Librarian/Librarian
Person Specification – skills and experience
Essential
A good first degree
Significant relevant experience
A genuine interest in, and commitment to, pursuing a Masters course in Library and Information studies or a related subject
A keen eye for detail
Organisation and administration skills
Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
Good systems skills (Microsoft Office user and other relevant systems)
A strong commitment to customer service and a high level of interpersonal skills
DesirableA demonstrable interest in working with heritage collections
Employee Benefits
the Hall, when the kitchens are open.
University Club, which offers food, drink and accommodation in an exclusive space for staff, postgraduates and alumni.
visitor access to the 45 colleges and halls of the University, the University’s Libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and Museums.
exclusive discount codes for University staff and with a
TOTUM (formerly NUS) card.
Application procedure
Informal Enquiries: Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation about the role should in the first instance contact the Librarians: Naomi Tiley naomi.tiley@balliol.ox.ac.uk or Stewart Tiley stewart.tiley@balliol.ox.ac.uk
Written applications:Applications should be made by 5pm on Sunday 23rd August online at
https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers.
Interviews: Candidates selected for interview will be notified by 29th August. Interviews are expected to take place in mid-September 2026 and are currently provisionally scheduled for
Wednesday 16 September 2026. Candidates are encouraged to keep this date available, although it may be subject to change.
Right to Work: Shortlisted candidates will be expected to supply original documentation proving that they have the right to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
Equal Opportunities: Balliol College is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to help us fulfil our duties in this regard. Applicants should let us know if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.