Special Collections Cataloguer (Music) – Fixed Term

About the role

The University of Cambridge Libraries and Archives is recruiting a Special Collections Cataloguer (Music) for a fixed-term post of three years, reporting to the Head of Music Collections. The role improves public access to and the research profile of the music archives, which hold published and manuscript music, ephemera, sound recordings and archival documents. The postholder works across the Music Department and the Department of Archives and Modern Manuscripts.

Key responsibilities

• Catalogue and index selected collections to international archival and library standards, creating online catalogues and applying music-specific knowledge through authorised access points and subject headings.
• Transfer data from legacy finding aids (hard copy, webpages, Word/Excel files) into publicly accessible catalogue descriptions.
• Appraise, process and list new and existing music collections, including accessioning, packaging, shelving and flagging material for access restrictions.
• Research the history and context of collections and draft text for internal and external communications and displays.
• Answer reader enquiries and assess material for imaging requests, including condition checks and advice on intellectual property for the Cultural Heritage Imaging Laboratory.
• Manage cataloguing and processing workflows with the Archives and Modern Manuscripts and Conservation departments, and plan collection priorities.

Required profile

• Practical experience of working in archives, including special collections.
• Experience with library and archive management systems, and with MARC 21/RDA classification and cataloguing.
• Archives qualification or equivalent experience.
• Ability to read music notation and a good understanding of music as an academic subject.
• Willingness to work onsite; hybrid working is possible where tasks allow.

Required skills

• Creating metadata according to local and international standards.
• Excellent IT skills and familiarity with current international cataloguing standards for archival collections.
• Ability to apply GDPR rules and assess sensitive information.
• Collaborative teamwork, organisation under pressure and to deadlines, and constructive interaction with academic and library staff.

What we offer

• Salary of £31,861 to £36,320, plus an interim 2.5% supplement.
• Flexible working options such as part-time hours, job shares and staggered hours.
• 36 days of annual leave and exceptional parental leave.
• Discounts on major retailers and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and training courses.