Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Archivist and Special Collections Manager, the Library Assistant (Special Collections and Archives) will work as part of the Special Collections team to provide a high quality support service to users of the Special Collections and Archives. You will assist with access to the collections via the enquiry service and in person reading room, as well as preparing materials for consultation. You will also work on longer term projects to improve the discoverability of collection material.
About the team
Special Collections and Archives sit within the Content and Collections area of the Directorate of Learning Resources. We are a team of three people and work closely with other Learning Resources staff, as well those in the wider University. We are an accredited archive service with the mission to curate unique collections for teaching and research. The team works to acquire, preserve and make accessible the collections under our care.
What will I be doing?
● Respond to enquiries to the Special Collections and Archives service in person or via email or phone
● Support users with access to the Special Collections and Archives reading room and the collections held there
● Assist in sorting and listing archival material and processing stock as required
● Help with group visits, teaching sessions and tours of the Special Collections and Archives, and creating displays and exhibitions
● Support the development, care and preservation of the physical collections, and the management and curation of digital assets.
What skills do I need?
● Interest in library special collections and archives
● Experience of working in a customer service setting
● Ability to communicate logically
● Ability to set own goals and prioritise tasks
● Well-developed IT skills
● Ability to undertake moderately physical work
About the location
Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and purpose built Special Collections reading room and store, located in the basement of the John Henry Brookes Building. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. As this role is customer facing it is based on-campus with occasional opportunities for remote working as agreed with the line manager.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team
In addition, all employees have access to:
● Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
● Brookes on-site Nursery.
● Discounted travel options
● TOTUM card discount scheme
● Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
● Training and development opportunities
● Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points-based immigration system.