Job Description

Lendrum Internship in Book Conservation

(

Job Number:

25000924

)

University Library and Collections
Grade 1: - 23,205 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration

:

1 year

Contracted Hours per Week

:

35

Closing Date

:

27-Jul-2025, 5:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement

:

Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.


Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.


At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.


We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here.

The Role and Department

In January 1833 Bishop William van Mildert donated 160 volumes to found the University Library, located on Palace Green and in the same year Durham's first university museum opened to the public. Today the University Library and Collections offers spaces, collections, expertise, and services supporting education, research, the wider student experience and cultural and educational outreach. Collections and services operate across a wide estate of libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Palace Green. Our nationally and internationally recognised collections span early books, archives and manuscripts, museum objects and art, print and electronic materials and include a repository of digitised materials, research outputs and research data. Our users encompass anyone engaging with our collections, services, and facilities in person or remotely, this includes university staff, researchers from around the globe, students in higher education from Durham and other universities, school pupils and teachers, Durham's local residents and tourists.



We are an ambitious and developing team with a focus on providing the best experience for our students, researchers, and the wider community. We are valued partners working with students, professional services and academics across the University, and professionals and organisations regionally, nationally, and internationally.



The University Library and Collections is made up of six sections: Collections; Customer Services; Education, Learning and Engagement; Research and Systems; Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions; and Finance and Administration. Staff work flexibly between the sections, seven enabled by cross-cutting groups, Collections, Education, Engagement, User Experience, Operations, Research, Staff Development and a Programme and Project Steering Group.



Library and Collections Internships are intended for graduates, from any discipline, to serve as preparation to undertake a qualification in the fields relevant to ULC's scope of work, or to apply for future roles in the sector. During the Internship, the post holder will obtain experience of a particular area relating to libraries, archives and special collections, or museums within an HE environment. There will also been an opportunity to gain experience about other areas of work within University Library and Collections, managing and making accessible collections in support of teaching and learning, research, and wider engagement.


Interns will receive full training and will be supported on an ongoing basis by their allocated line-manager and team members. They will establish and then work to fulfil a personal development plan, guided by their line manager and a separate mentor. They will also be encouraged to keep a diary or other record of their experience and personal development. A previous intern reports that "This internship has provided an opportunity to learn and develop both technical and person-centred skills, as well as allowing me to explore new passions and interests in a variety of different departments and roles within the library."

The Role

The post holder will undertake a range of activities and gain experience in some of the following with support and supervision from colleagues:

Survey and assessment of the physical condition of collections, identifying causes of deterioration in book and archive collections Assist with a wide range of preservation activities within an historic library setting Application of preservation measures including construction of custom boxes and enclosures Undertake supervised remedial treatments of books and associated items Providing support where necessary to public-facing activities including exhibition development and delivery and other gallery-based activities. Using systems, such as the Library Management System, enquiry management tools, museum collections management systems, content management systems supporting websites and the digital repository; in support of user services and collections management Participating in short-term working groups and project work, Contributing to communications, social media activity, user-experience-related work and user engagement Contributing to schools education, wider public engagement and related activities Administrative activities in support of work areas described above


They will also actively engage in staff development activities, including formal training sessions, reflection, and self-directed learning, to develop skills and knowledge appropriate to the role and context of the internship.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days, including time off between Christmas and New Year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year. Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities. Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers) If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships. Generous pension schemes.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate your knowledge, enthusiasm, and interest to others. A final year student or a recent graduate. A qualification in conservation (or equivalent experience). Evidence of commitment to personal development to improve skills and knowledge. Evidence of good team working and problem-solving skills. Evidence of a customer focussed approach to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. Ability to manage time in order to meet deadlines. Genuine and demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in book conservation.

Desirable Criteria

1. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.


2. Relevant experience in a similar role / environment.


3. Experience of using initiative within a team environment.


4. Experience of the conservation or preservation of books and archive materials.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit;

A CV. A covering letter, which includes a personal statement setting out your career goals and how this internship would help in their achievement. A document providing supporting evidence of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria (preferably in a grid format using the different criteria as headings).

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Please ensure that you submit all documentation listed above or your application cannot proceed to the next stage.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Tony King, Senior Collections Care and Conservation Manager would be happy to speak to you. Please contact Tony via anthony.g.king@durham.ac.uk.

Specific role requirements

The intern role is fixed term for one year from start date attracting a salary of 23,205 per annum pro rata (+ cost of living increase), plus 27 days holiday pro rata and excellent benefits.


This is a full-time post, working 35 hours per week.


The work pattern of the role may include weekend, evening, and bank holiday work as business demands.


The post is based at Palace Green Library.

Typical role requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate:

Service Delivery

Provide an excellent service to our customers by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for). Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools from more experienced colleagues. Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks. Log and store routine information.

Teamwork

Help and cooperate with the rest of your team. Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked. Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.

Communication/Personal

Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role. Any other reasonable duties.


Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.



When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.