We have an exciting new opportunity for a volunteer Sub-Librarian to manage the Cathedral Library.
The Cathedral Library acquires and preserves historic books and works of interest and makes them available to everyone who wishes to see them. It promotes their use for study and research and seeks to be more integrated into the wider visitor experience of the Cathedral.
The Library, as you see it today, was established following a refurbishment in 1969. Its medieval holdings were almost entirely destroyed by Parliamentarians during the Civil War and thus our collection is largely post-Restoration.
In the coming years, we are ambitious to enable more people to visit the Library on a more regular basis as part of a broader enhancement of visitor experience and improvement of accessibility in the Cathedral. Thus, beyond preservation and the care of researchers, the Sub-Librarian will work closely with the Cathedral staff and a committed set of volunteers to achieve this aspiration, as well as support our work in developing a new catalogue.
The Library is shortly to be equipped with a new lighting system and a new heating system and support will be available for the new Sub-Librarian from the Canon Librarian, the Head of Operations and the Visitor Experience Manager in developing the Library within the objectives of the Cathedral’s wider Vision, including generating income.
The ideal candidate will have:
- experience in institutional library services;
- an understanding of and sympathy with the Cathedral’s wider life and ministry;
- an enthusiasm, and possibly experience, of making historical treasures more widely known to the public;
- evidence of strong collaborative working and good communication skills;
- competence with computers and digital technology;
- and have experience with using, if not developing, library catalogues.
The Cathedral Library is located above the Treasury on the North side of the Cathedral and accessed by a steep stone spiral staircase. Because of the location of the library, the role is not suitable for someone with specific access requirements.
For more information see the Cathedral Sub-Librarian Role Description
If you would like to apply, please complete the Application Form and return by Friday 10th May to:carolyn.atkinson@chichestercathedral.org.uk