Library Manager (part-time)

iniva is seeking an enthusiastic, warm and proactive Library Manager to join our small, dedicated and collaborative team. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop Stuart Hall Library, a unique specialist resource focused on contemporary visual art, Black and Global Majority art histories, and iniva’s archival collections linked to the British Black Arts Movement.

Working at iniva is highly rewarding, with a pace that can be lively, hands-on and varied. We’re a small organisation, so we value people who are comfortable managing their own time, juggling different tasks and taking initiative. In return, you’ll help grow a collection used and valued by artists, students, researchers and communities across the UK and beyond.

You will lead on collection management (acquisitions, cataloguing to MARC21/RDA, preservation and promotion across books, journals, artists’ books, zines, monographs and audiovisual materials), manage the library management system (KOHA), and line manage the part-time Assistant Librarian while supporting volunteers and placement students.

If you enjoy combining creativity, organisation and people skills and you care deeply about supporting access to underrepresented art histories, this role represents an exciting next step.

Role Purpose

The Library Manager is responsible for managing, developing and promoting iniva’s Stuart Hall Library, a specialised collection centred on contemporary visual art, Black and Global Majority art histories, and iniva’s archival materials linked to the British Black Arts Movement. The role oversees all collection management activities, acquisition, cataloguing, preservation and promotion, and line manages the Assistant Librarian, volunteers and placement students. The post also includes responsibility for opening and closing the library and delivering occasional research talks, reading groups, tours and inductions, delivered during opening hours and after-hours.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced librarian who is proactive, approachable and committed to providing a welcoming, research supportive library service. You will bring expertise in managing front facing library services, together with strong cataloguing skills across a range of materials, including monographs, exhibition catalogues, zines and audiovisual resources to current MARC21 and RDA standards.

This role involves working with collections that centre contemporary art, diaspora narratives, and Black and Global Majority art histories. We welcome candidates with lived experience and/or an interest in these areas. You do not need prior experience in critical librarianship but we’re looking for someone who has at least 3-5 years’ experience in collection management, open to learning and reflective in practice.

Confidence in speaking publicly about the collection and engaging users from diverse backgrounds is important. Experience working with the KOHA and subject knowledge in contemporary visual arts and culture are desirable, but training and support will be provided.

We recognise that librarians contribute a broad and valuable mix of skills. This 4-day-a-week role is an ideal fit for someone who may be balancing this position with a similar professional commitment, research or independent creative practice. We value the fresh perspective and external energy that this balance brings to our team.

We do not expect candidates to meet every criteria. If you meet most and are excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.

Candidates from underrepresented communities are particularly encouraged to apply for this role. We are committed to increasing the diversity and inclusion of staff within the Arts and Libraries sectors. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the person specification of the role.

A full job description can be found here.

How to Apply

Please send a completed iniva Job Application Form and

to

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Tavian Hunter (Living Legacies Project Manager): thunter@iniva.org

General enquiries about the application process: info@iniva.org