Archivist

Job Description

RoleThe Barbers Company wishes to appoint an archivist to manage the Companys archive, library and treasures.About the CompanyThe Worshipful Company of Barbers is one of the oldest Livery companies of the City of London with its first responsibility for its trade recorded in 1308. It has its own Hall in Monkwell Square, its third Hall on the same site since 1440 with the firsttwo victims of the Great Fire and the Blitz. The current Hall was opened in 1969 and is the focus for fellowship activity; there are around 350 members.Today, the Company is a fellowship organization, with responsibilities and rights in the City of London, providing support to charities, institutions and individuals associated with the Companys traditions and origins; surgery is core to its history althoughthe Surgeons split from the Barbers in 1745.Charitable activities underpin the ethos of the Company and reflect, in large part, its medical origins. Whilst being thoroughly modern in the way it operates, the Company cherishes its history and many of its ancient customs and keeps these alive. It hasa vibrant membership Historical Society which has a strong tradition of research and shared learning which draws on the Companys history, archive and treasures, meets regularly and invites external speakers to add to the corporate knowledge.The Company possesses an exceptional inheritance of paintings, silver and other historic artefacts, carefully preserved through the Great Fire and the Second World War. Hans Holbeins painting of Henry VIII and the Barber-Surgeons, celebrating the unionof the Barbers and Surgeons in 1540, is the earliest of many works directly linked to the life of the Company.In 2020/21 the Company, as part of a significant upgrade to its administrative facilities, created a temperature and humidity-controlled archive adjacent to the Companys administrative office, including a reading room for research. The Company employs justsix permanent staff, of whom four including the Archivist work together in a modern, well-resourced shared office.Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation, maintenance, and repair of the contents of the archives, library, and artefacts of the Company in conjunction with its Library and Historic Committee.
• Support the Court and the Clerk in providing historical information about the Company and its development when requested.
• Act as directed by the Court regarding future development of the archives, library, and collections.
• Work with the Clerk, Chairman of the Library and Historic Committee and the Company Accountant to produce and maintain a 5-year expenditure programme for the maintenance of the archive, library, and artefacts.
• Advise and assist on the display of treasures within the Hall.
• Advise on acquisition and purchase of items for the archives, library, and artefacts and on disposal of any surplus material.
• Answer routine search enquiries concerning the history of the Company and its membership.
• Supervise scholars and researchers when using the archives, library, and artefacts.
• Supervise the loans of archives, books and artefacts to external bodies and the protection of copyright.
• Represent the Company in dealings with other Livery Companies and professional bodies on matters relating to the archives.
• Act as Secretary to the Library and Historic Committee, preparing agendas, papers and reports, and producing minutes, as directed by the committee Chairman.
• Attend the Barbers Historical Society (BHS), supporting the Chairman and Secretary, and making reports as necessary.
• Assist members of BHS to identify research topics and carry out research. Identify volunteering opportunities for BHS members.
• As directed, use digital and social media to promote positively the activities of the Company.
• Oversee the oral history project, and other projects as necessary.
• Library book and object cataloguing.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Qualification in archives and records management or relevant experience
• Informed interest in manuscripts and archives
• Excellent IT skills - including MS Office 365 suite
• Experience of using current cataloguing standards for manuscripts and archives
• Knowledge of at least one automated library or archival system
• Familiarity with Data Protection legislation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to interact constructively with a wide range of people of all ages at all levels
• Proven organisational skills
• Proven customer service skills
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as unsupervised
• Ability to plan, meet deadlines and respond flexibly to the various demands of the role
• Ability to lift boxes, climb ladders and push loaded trolleys. Aspects of this job may be physical and demand an adequate level of general fitness

Desirable

• Knowledge and/or experience of management of digital and audio-visual archives
• Experience of working with manuscripts and archival collections in a City Livery Company or provincial guild

DETAILSLocation: Primarily at Barber-Surgeons Hall in the City of London, with some flexibility to work remotely as appropriate.Start Date: ideally Monday 27th March 2023, to enable a handover from the incumbent.Days/Hours: 3 days per week - circa 21 hours per week. Ideally Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.Benefits: Including 10% employers pension contribution. Non-contributory Private Health Care, and Death in Service benefit.HOW TO APPLYApplications should be made by Monday 20th February 2023.Applications should be in the form of a covering letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role, limited to 400 words, accompanied by a CV of no more than 2 sides of A4.Interviews will be held at Barber-Surgeons Hall on Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd February 2023.

Keyskills :
ArchivesCollectionsLibraryRecords ManagementMS Office