Library and Archives Manager

National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and service-driven manager to join our Library and Archives team.

Benefits of joining us as our Library & Archives Manager will include:

• Annually alongside your salary of £42,765-£46,051, National Museums Scotland contributes £12,268-£13,211 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
• A generous annual leave of 28.5 days – rising to 33.5 after 5 years. Plus 8 paid days public holidays
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions
• Exclusive discounts on both local and national High Street and online retailers
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• Flexible working options such as hybrid working, paid special leave, career breaks and unpaid leave
• Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.

About the Library & Archives Manager role:

With the largest museum library collection in Scotland, our library and Archives team supports the research and learning needs of Museum staff, visitors, and the wider external research community with two publicly accessible library spaces - the Research Library in the National Museum of Scotland (our main reading room) and the National War Museum Library. Reporting to the Head of Collections Services, the new post holder will lead the Library & Archives team in the effective management, development, and delivery of library and Archives services to Museum staff and visitors, and online enquirers.

As the Library & Archives Manager at National Museums Scotland, you will:

• Plan, promote and deliver customer-facing library and Archives services for National Museums Scotland, to meet the needs of target audiences.
• Develop, manage and catalogue the library collection, including special collections and Archives, implementing strategies to ensure research, business, and public engagement goals are met as appropriate.
• Effectively manage library and Archives collections and storage spaces to ensure most effective use of, and access to, resources.
• Be responsible for the development and management of National Museums Scotland’s Research Repository working collaboratively with external and internal stakeholders to develop and increase access to the Repository as appropriate.

Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Library & Archives Manager:

• A degree and / or postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science, or equivalent
• High level of expertise in the use of electronic and printed information resources, tools and searching methodologies, including Open Access
• Experience of managing and developing a team, including through change
• Experience of managing and developing customer-focused library and Archives services
• Significant experience of managing acquisition budgets, and negotiating and delivering best value contracts with suppliers
• Significant experience of ensuring the delivery of electronic information resources, including the Research Repository

Salary: £42,765-£46,051 from January 2025

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh