The main focus of the role is the archives and book collections held in the former Roman Catholic seminary of Ushaw College in County Durham, which are managed by Durham University in partnership with Ushaw Trust. These collections built up at Ushaw College since its establishment as a Catholic seminary in 1808 reflect its role as a major institution for Catholic higher education until its closure as a college in 2011. The collections date back to the early Middle Ages and comprise the library and archive of the institution itself, and those of a number of other related Catholic organisations and individuals. The postholder will also have a particular focus on those collections held by the University relating to Catholic communities and organisations. The postholder will split their time between work at Ushaw College and Palace Green Library. They will report to the Senior Manager - Archives and Special Collections and work within the Archives and Special Collections team based at Palace Green Library, and will also work closely with Ushaw staff.
The postholder participates in all aspects of the management of these collections and access to them, including:
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collection management, including, cataloguing, storage and where appropriate, acquisition, accessioning and appraisal;
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providing a Searchroom service at Ushaw College;
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facilitating and enhancing access to collections through development of, delivery of or support for events or resources to support research, educational and engagement activities;
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applying policies, procedures and standards and ensuring legislative and regulatory compliance;
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maintaining appropriate collections care, alongside professional colleagues in conservation;
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promoting collections to users and potential users, to enhance the reputation of collections in the region;
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maintaining a close working relationship with staff of Ushaw College, on operational issues relating to the collections;
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contributing to discussions and working relationship with trustees of Ushaw College on strategic and policy issues relating to the collections.
The postholder also contributes to the delivery of the public service in the Searchroom at Palace Green Library to facilitate research access to the collections.
The postholder may have a particular focus on some collections and/or some areas of responsibility.
The role involves contributing to the maintenance of relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including creators, donors and depositors of collections; researchers and research projects within Durham University and externally; regional, national networks.
The postholder is responsible for line management of support staff and the supervision of volunteers as required.