Archives Assistant

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 published - Thu, 30 Jan 2025

Job Summary

OVERALL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE ROLE: To support the delivery and development of Coventry Archives as part of the wider Culture Coventry service. To assist in the day-to-day operation and collections management of the Archives and Local studies material.

Job Description

• To undertake the functions associated with the running of an efficient and welcoming public Reading Room and Research Rooms.
• To act as a first port of call in the Coventry Archives by offering a high level of customer care dealing with all enquiries with courtesy and efficiency.
• To oversee the operation of computers, microfilm readers, photocopiers to support public users.
• To use the till for cash and credit card transactions.
• To deal promptly and efficiently with all enquiries relating to Coventry Archives and local studies collections whether they are in person, by letter, email or telephone.
• To work with marketing staff to develop a broader public understanding of the Coventry Archives through the creation of historical blog posts/displays in Coventry Archives.
• To sort, list and organise new donations under the guidance of the Coventry Archives Manager.
• To catalogue archives in line with archives standards.
• To help produce search guides for the Coventry Archives collections as directed by the Archives Manager.
• To assist in the physical movement of Coventry Archives collections including the ingest of new material, the retrieval of documents and books for use by the public, and replacement to their correct locations.
• To be involved in digitisation work in the collection to create available resources for public users.
• To work with volunteers, trainees and work placements as appropriate and assist with the supervision of researchers in the Reading and Research rooms.
• To put the customer at the heart, to ensure we always deliver exceptional customer experience.
• To support projects which increase access to archives and local studies collections.
• To contribute to income generation targets.
• To assist with capturing data to be able to monitor archives Key Performance Indicators.
• Any other duties that fall within the scope and spirit of the post.

Job Requirements

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Personal Attributes

• A friendly professional manner.
• Well organised, methodical and accurate skills.
• Readiness to work with people and ability to respond to differing needs, e.g. disabilities, children, diverse cultures and differing levels of understanding.
• Customer focused with the passion and ability to identify customer audiences, understand their specific requirements.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• A team player with an approachable manner.
• Experience of working in a heritage-related environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues and standards concerning archive care and management.
• Awareness of duties involved in working in a record office/archives environment.
• Understanding of the ways in which libraries and archives serve communities.
• Good IT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to consider commercial opportunities.
• Good communication.

Job Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

• To embrace and lead by example on the Company's key values of PRIDE, PASSION and PERFORMANCE or those that might at any time be subsequently re-defined.
• To support the Company's commitment to providing a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring awareness of the Company's Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practice Guidance, and to be vigilant, reporting any safeguarding concerns without delay.
• To undertake all duties and fully comply with all of the Company's general standards and those relating to the specific requirements of the role.
• To take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work, and to co-operate with health and safety matters to help everyone meet their legal requirements.
• To co-operate with managers and colleagues to ensure environmental responsibilities are complied with.