Job Description

Salary 21,048 per annum


Job Reference eton/TP/21163/1275


Contract Type 52 weeks


Working Hours 25 hours per week


Closing Date 21 September, 2025


Job Category Operations


Business Unit College Library


Location Eton College, United Kingdom


Posted on 18 August, 2025

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Role Introduction

Eton College are seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual with experience of working in a library or archives setting (or a relevant qualification), good communication skills and a flexible approach to join our small, busy team as part of the College Collections.


Eton College Library, established in the 1440s, houses over 150,000 rare books and manuscripts, which range in date from the 9th to the 21st century. The collection is used by researchers and for teaching pupils at Eton and groups from other schools.


The Library Assistant's position supports core service needs, including the library's public services and promotion of the collections, as well as management and cataloguing of the collections. This is a permanent, part-time (25 hours per week) role which may suit a candidate seeking to gain experience of working with special collections.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.


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Main Duties

Key responsibilities:


Public services

Support reader services, including invigilation and retrieval; Contribute to the library's remote enquiry service, including delivery of virtual reading room sessions; Support teaching and visits including installing/de-installing and invigilating temporary displays and library teaching sessions, as well as liaising with Eton staff and others as directed; Assist in coordinating displays for visiting groups; deliver informal tours to visiting individuals and groups, as well as to Eton students and staff; Contribute content to Collections social media and publications (print and web), with responsibility for coordinating library social media contributions; Contribute to exhibitions; As part of a rota, serve as first point of contact for users of the library and general enquiries..

Collection management and cataloguing

Assist in auditing, rationalisation and review of collections and storage arrangements, and rehousing of library holdings in storage areas as directed; Assist other library staff and the Collections Conservator with the library's conservation/preservation programme; Catalogue collection items including reference materials; enhance existing records and undertake data cleaning as directed;

Other

Any other duties as may be reasonably expected, and which are commensurate with the level of the post.
All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as 'regulated activity'; Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood; Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality; Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion.



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The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:


Essential:

Relevant practical experience of working in a library or archives setting, or a library or archives qualification; Good IT skills, including basic to intermediate ability in Microsoft Office suite Ability to work efficiently and accurately and to complete tasks by set deadlines; Good communication skills.

Desirable:

Experience of library or archives cataloguing ; Understanding of preservation and conservation issues in libraries and archives; A first degree (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the library collections Experience of working with special collections materials or in the heritage sector; Demonstrable interest in rare books and manuscripts.

Personal Qualities

Ability to work successfully both independently and within a team; Commitment to continued professional development; Imaginative, enthusiastic, flexible, adaptable and efficient; Demonstrable interest in aspects of the Eton College Library collections.

Working Pattern

This is a permanent, part-time post. working 25 hours per week.


The nature of this post requires occasional evening and weekend hours, which will be scheduled in advance in consultation with the post holder and for which time off in lieu will be given. The role will also involve some lone working as well as lifting library materials and use of ladders.


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Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College's sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.


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About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.


If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as "spent" under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.