Architectural Association School of Architecture

Librarian

Reporting to the Director of the AA, the Librarian will be responsible for the overall management and operations of the Architectural Association Library and the AA Archives  As well as this, the Librarian will participate in the long-term planning and development of the AA and of the library in support of the financial, educational and administrative objectives of the school, and help to develop strategies, options, cost estimates and implementation processes for improved services and systems.

Main Responsibilities

• supervise a staff of four (deputy librarian, archivist, cataloger/ILL librarian, systems administrator/serials librarian); set performance standards and review periodically;
• set goals and priorities and monitor objectives;
• prepare and manage the library budget;
• establish policy and formulate operating procedures in support of overall goals;
• interact with faculty, students, other library users and staff to assure the fulfillment of the educational goals of the AA;
• oversee selection, purchase and cataloguing of all library materials;
• catalogue special materials (theses, rare books, etc.) and develop guidelines and procedures for handling new material (such as e-books);
• responsiblity for continued implementation and development of the library’s automated systems and for space organisation and planning, including the proposed move and expansion of the library and archives;
• working with the Development and Finance departments and AA Director’s office to determine library initiatives/projects appropriate for fundraising purposes, and assist with the production of relevant materials.

Essential Requirements

• Education to degree level with a postgraduate qualification in librarianship/information studies;
• Minimum of five years' experience in a management position in an academic institution within a specialist library collection;
• Subject expertise or familiarity in architecture and its related fields;
• Working knowledge of electronic resources and the Web 2.0 environment;
• Cataloguing experience using AACR2/MARC21 in an online environment; knowledge of SirsiDynix (online catalogue) helpful;
• Sound financial and information resources;
• Budgeting and management skills;
• Flexible and positive attitude to ideas and demands, with the ability to handle a variety of simultaneous projects and respond positively to challenges.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within an architectural/design environment with a proven interest in architecture and its allied fields an advantage;
• Reading knowledge of, or familiarity with, at least one foreign language would be a distinct advantage.

What We Offer

• Full-time salary with generous holiday benefits and a defined-contribution pension scheme.

How to Apply

Please send a covering letter with a statement of interest, salary expectations and your CV by email to humanresources@aaschool.ac.uk or by post. Please provide salary history and, if called to interview, at least two professional references.

The deadline is 25 May.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The AA looks to make the appointment with start of work as soon as possible.

The Architectural Association School of Architecture aims to create conditions that ensure staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of their gender, race, religious/political beliefs, ethnic or national origin, disability, family background, age, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

The AA Inc's equal opportunities policy is applicable to all job vacancies. Internal applicants are encouraged to apply.