Head of Library and Archive
Job Description
Purpose
Working with the Deputy Director of Science (Collections), colleagues in the preserved collections teams and users of the library and archives to care for and develop the collections, manage the Library and Archives team, deliver an excellent service, and grow RBGE’s position as a unique research and information resource.
Main Duties
Collections Development
Review and implement the Collection Management Policy and develop Standard Operating Procedures to ensure best practice
Manage the safe storage, retrieval and handling of physical and digital items in the collections
Manage the collections spaces and liaise with the Estates team to ensure the collections and associated data are safe and secure
Manage the integrated pest management programme for the Library & Archives
Manage the annual conservation programme
Manage the annual subscriptions to journals and periodicals
Manage content and targets for the RBGE open-access research repository
Work with the Deputy Director of Science (Collections) to agree acquisition, curation and collections development principles
Management
Line manage the Library & Archives team with regular team and individual meetings
Plan, manage and report on the Library budget
Plan, manage and report on the performance and activities undertaken by the Library & Archives team towards the RBGE
Oversee the Library and Archives volunteer and work placement programmes
Access and engagement
Facilitate and encourage access to the collections by RBGE and external users
Regularly review and respond to Library user needs, supporting research excellence and Open Access publication models
Manage an annual programme of customer-focused access development, including conducting user research, prototyping, testing and co-design
Oversee the Library & Archives pages on the RBGE website
Coordinate and delivery public outreach by giving presentations, hosting group visits and marketing the Library & Archives collections
Maintain professional networks and develop RBGE’s position in the library, archive and heritage collection sectors
Compliance
Fulfil the duties of the RBGE copyright officer
Ensure that all RBGE policies and procedures are implemented in the Library & Archives
Contribute to RBGE’s modern records management process
Deliver the recommendations to maintain Archives Accreditation
Any other duties as required.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
Delivering results: ability to take personal responsibility for achieving the right results for the library
• Customer focus: ability to understand and, within our capability, meet actual and potential needs of RBGE and external users of our collection
• Collaborative working: Ability to work effectively within and outside the organisation to achieve common goals through sharing skills, knowledge, and information
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build positive relationship
Organisational and project management skills, and the ability to plan, exercise initiative, and deliver
Leadership capability, with good influencing skills and high personal behavioural standard
• Ability to make evidence-based decision
Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and wider context of delivery of public services for research libraries and archives and an understanding of relevant legislation and sectoral standard
• Knowledge and experience of service design principles and practice, including conducting user research, prototyping, testing and co-design
• Experience working at a management level within a library, archive, or similar cultural organisation, line management and team leadership
• A relevant degree or qualification
Desirable
• Experience of Open Access publishing agreements
Experience of implementing new digital resources and digital preservation systems for libraries and archives
• Knowledge and experience of UK copyright law
• Knowledge and experience of modern records management