Job title
Assistant Librarian
Salary and hours
£21,000 per annum (£35,000 FTE)
Contract type
Part-time, permanent
About the Society:
The Royal Astronomical Society was founded in 1820 and is the professional body for Astronomers and Geophysicists in the UK. It has a membership (fellowship) of around 4,000. The Society occupies rooms in Burlington House, Piccadilly and has a staff of 30. The premises includes a library, lecture theatre, editorial offices and rooms for fellows. It is a charity registered under UK law. The Royal Astronomical Society publishes three journals and a membership magazine.
During the academic year the Society holds monthly scientific meetings and there is a week-long National Astronomy Meeting in the summer. The Council of the Society (who are the Board of Trustees) are responsible for policy and the direction of development, with implementation and day to day activities managed by the Executive Director.
Role summary:
The post is a part-time role in a small team and will involve helping to manage and develop the library service.
Reporting to:
Librarian & Archivist
Main duties:
- Maintain Sage 50 Accounts, including sales and purchase ledger, bank receipts and payments.
- Check and process claims for expenses, grants and prizes.
- Analyse credit card transactions and post to Sage.
- Assist with supplier payment runs.
- Reconcile the bank and investment accounts.
- Liaise with staff, trustees and suppliers on payment queries.
- Prepare monthly payroll and pension contributions.
- Maintain and reconcile fixed asset register.
- Assist with requests during the annual audit.
- Review and sort paper records for archiving.
- Deputise for the Finance Manager as required.
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
- A first degree or postgraduate qualification in Librarianship/Information Management, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Experience of working in a library, archive or similar environment.
- Confidence in using IT, including online library and collections management systems, spreadsheets and web browsers
- Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, necessary for working in a small team and providing good customer service
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills
Desirable:
- Experience of cataloguing books
- Experience of dealing with library acquisitions
- Confidence in using library management systems to run reports
- Knowledge of or interest in astronomy and geophysics.
Working conditions
This post is primarily based onsite and is not suitable for regular remote working.
We are open to flexible start and finish times, within the opening hours of the building.
This post involves manual handling (lifting, carrying, using a trolley); use of ladders; computer work; some working in confined spaces and some lone working.
Application process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV, covering letter and the names of two referees to hr@ras.ac.uk
The Royal Astronomical Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
The RAS has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, you need to be eligible to work in the UK.
This job description is intended to convey essential job functions and requirements. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The RAS reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organisational needs.
Closing date for applications:
11.59pm on Tuesday 23 September.
Interview date:
Tuesday 14 October.