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The Bodleian Libraries is looking for Digital Archivists of the future. Our Graduate Trainee Digital Archivist Scheme could be your first step towards a career in 20th and 21st century archives. Preserving the past for the benefit of the future is not just about manuscripts and printed materials, digital materials are surprisingly fragile and also need to be preserved.

This scheme combines on-the-job training and funded postgraduate study. You will learn traditional and digital curation skills, applying these to the Libraries’ internationally important archive collections. You will be involved in processing digital materials, including archiving websites, but will also have the opportunity to work with the archives of individuals and organisations. You will learn everything from editing XML metadata, to assessing legal risks, to using digital curation tools. You will also work towards a postgraduate qualification in Digital Information and Media Management from Aberystwyth University.

If you are flexible, have a good grasp of digital technologies, excellent research skills, and a passion for problem-solving then this might be the career for you. You do not need experience in archives but you must have a keen interest in culture and history. You will have great communication skills, initiative, and a willingness to work closely in a team. Applications are welcome from graduates of any discipline relevant to the Libraries' 20th and 21st century archive and manuscript holdings (see https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/collections-and-resources/special-collections/subject-guides), but are particularly encouraged from candidates with a STEM or Social Sciences background.

This is a training role and is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 2 years beginning by 4 Sep 2023. One afternoon per week will be released for study, and you will be expected to attend two short study schools run by Aberystwyth University.

Please do not apply if you already have, or are currently doing, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree related to Archives Administration / Information Management / Librarianship / Museum Studies, or if you have already completed a traineeship in Archives / Heritage / Libraries, or have substantial work experience in these areas.

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who don’t currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a visa via another route.

Benefits include 38 days leave (including bank holidays and fixed closed days), extensive training and development opportunities, access to travel and childcare schemes, free entry to colleges, discounted access to sporting facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts. For more details please see https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

The Bodleian values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly from men and people who identify as Black, Asian, and minority ethnic who are under-represented in the archives and libraries workforce.

Only applications received online before midday on Tuesday 11 April 2023 can be considered. Please ensure that you read the ‘How to apply’ section provided in the Job Description carefully. The short-listing will be based on the evidence you provide in your Supporting Evidence Form. If you do not attach ALL of the required documents, your application will NOT be processed.

Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 12 May 2023.

For further information about the Bodleian’s archive and manuscript collections, see https://archives.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/

For further information about the Bodleian Libraries Digital Archivist Graduate Training Scheme, see https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/jobs/trainee-digital-archivist