Assistant Librarian

On-site 5 days per week

Permanent contract

£29,642

Final date to receive applications: 12pm 16th January 2026

The British Museum is hiring an Assistant Librarian in its Research, Archives and Libraries department. The postholder will manage the Museum’s library collections and facilitate access for staff and external users. Responsibilities include supporting the development of print and digital resources across the Museum’s libraries and delivering high quality, customer-focused library and heritage services, including user education, cataloguing and appraisal.

• Operational Support:
  Manage library collections, act as first point of contact for research enquiries, loans and administration.
• Cataloguing & Access:
  Assist with cataloguing using multiple classification systems; ensure access to library resources for staff and public.
• Library Maintenance & Finance:
  Maintain organisation of materials, track locations, and handle finance administration.
• Collection & Project Support:
  Assist with acquisition, subscriptions, preservation, disposal of materials, and contribute to library projects.
• Education & Volunteer Development:
  Support user education with guidance, induction and training, and help develop volunteer placements.

You are organised, proactive and passionate about delivering excellent library services. You enjoy working collaboratively and can communicate clearly with a wide range of users. Attention to detail and the ability to prioritise tasks are key strengths, alongside a flexible approach to problem‑solving. You are confident using digital tools and eager to learn new systems. An interest in heritage collections and supporting access to knowledge will help you thrive in this role.

Above all, you bring curiosity, reliability, and a commitment to providing a high‑quality, user-focused service.

• Be a part of a world‑renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
• Exceptional Pension:
  Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
• Cultural Perks:
  Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
• Financial Support:
  Interest‑free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
• Wellbeing:
  Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
• Everyday Extras:
  Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices

for more information and to apply