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The Courtauld works to advance how we see and understand the visual arts, as an internationally-renowned centre for the teaching, and research of art history and a major public gallery. Founded in 1932, the organisation has been at the forefront of the study of art ever since.
The Courtauld cares for one of the greatest art collections in the UK, displayed at The Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House, central London. Academically, The Courtauld is a specialist university and home to the largest community of art historians and conservators in the UK. It offers a range of degree programmes in the History of Art, curating and the conservation of easel and wall paintings.
Applications are invited for a fixed term post in the Library finishing at the end of July 2023. The post is especially suitable for graduates wishing to gain library experience before undertaking a postgraduate course in Librarianship/Information Studies or for recent graduates of such courses seeking to specialise in art librarianship.
About the role
Works across Digital Media, Estates and Facilities, IT, Libraries and Student and Academic Services to provide excellent first-line customer service for students, Courtauld staff and external users of The Courtauld’s academic facilities and services by:
- Welcoming users to The Courtauld and the libraries
- Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries
- Assisting with user education
- Supporting active collection development and management
- Delivering administrative support
The role provides practical experience of work in an academic environment to a recent graduate intending to study for a postgraduate qualification. A structured programme of training and professional development will be provided.
Main duties and responsibilities
User Support
- Greeting users at the reception and help desks, providing directional support and guidance on using the buildings
- Logging, triaging and acknowledging face-to-face, email, online and telephone enquiries
- Responding to frequently asked questions using knowledge bases and template answers, referring to online sources of help and information where appropriate
- Escalating more complex requests to the appropriate team
- Enabling and supervising the use of The Courtauld’s equipment, facilities and library collections
User education
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of user education sessions
- Leading tours for open days and other events, welcome and induction
Collection development
- Receiving and processing library resources, claiming outstanding material and updating descriptions and links
- Sourcing and suppling material through document delivery and inter-library loan
- Assisting with the arrangement and display of The Courtauld’s library collections in all formats
- Supporting collections care activities including the assessment of material, identification of items for binding and conservation, and preparation and receipt of material for binding and conservation
Administrative Support
- Undertaking appropriate security and environmental checks
- Updating the websites, Virtual Learning Environments and intranet sites, maintaining digital and physical signage
General
- To act in accordance with all Courtauld policies and procedures including Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety, at all times.
- To undertake any other duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with the level of this role, as required.
- A job description will change and evolve over time and this job description can be updated to adapt to the changing needs of department/ organisation, in line with the grade of the role.
