Library and Archives Assistant
- Organisation: Bury Grammar School
- Location: Greater Manchester
- Tenure: Full-time / Term Time
- Closing Date: Friday 1 May 2026
Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only Job Share/Hybrid working could be considered.
Bury Grammar School is seeking to appoint a versatile, organised and enthusiastic Library and Archives Assistant to join our Library and Archives team from September 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to work across a diverse and engaging service that supports pupils from Nursery through to Sixth Form, while also contributing to the curation and development of our extensive School Archive.
Library Services at Bury Grammar comprises three well‑resourced libraries with a combined stock of over 40,000 items, alongside a rich and growing Archive containing materials that document the history and life of the school from its foundation to the present day.
You will play a key role in supporting the daily running of the libraries, assisting staff and pupils, and promoting reading and research. You will also contribute to important archival projects, including cataloguing, preservation and the development of materials that engage the wider school community and alumnae.
This role would suit someone passionate about literature, research, organisation and supporting learning across all ages.
Given the duality of the role, we are open to applications from candidates who may solely be interested in the Library or Archive as standalone positions; whether that be on a full time or part time basis.
Key Responsibilities
Library Support
Provide guidance and assistance to pupils and staff in the use of library systems, resources and services
Assist in the day‑to‑day running and organisation of the libraries, ensuring they remain welcoming, purposeful and conducive to study
Supervise pupils using the library to maintain a calm, supportive and safe learning environment
Use the Library Management System (currently ESS Reading Cloud) to issue, return and renew books
Support the promotion of reading and research through attractive displays, themed promotions and events
Assist in reviewing stock, including weeding, stocktaking and updating the catalogue across all sites
Archive Support
Catalogue and integrate holdings to support the development of a unified archive collection
Identify, classify and preserve historical documents, photographs, artefacts and digital materials relating to the school
Liaise with donors, depositors and external researchers, ensuring new accessions are appropriately recorded
Maintain records documenting the current life of the school for future archival use
Manage and care for physical storage areas, ensuring the preservation and protection of materials
Respond to enquiries from students, staff, alumnae and external researchers
Promote the history and heritage of the school through displays, articles, exhibitions and related projects
We are able to support the successful candidate in gaining relevant qualifications, apprenticeships or other appropriate professional development
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in reading, research, organisation and historical materials, coupled with strong communication and interpersonal skills. They will be confident working with pupils across a wide age range and enthusiastic about supporting both traditional library operations and archive preservation work.
Application Process:
Applications should be submitted using the School Application Form and accompanied by a covering letter addressed to the Principal. Your letter should outline your suitability for the role and reference the criteria in the Person Specification.
Bury Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.
Downloads
Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only Job Share/Hybrid working could be considered.
Description
Bury Grammar School is seeking to appoint a versatile, organised and enthusiastic Library and Archives Assistant to join our Library and Archives team from September 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to work across a diverse and engaging service that supports pupils from Nursery through to Sixth Form, while also contributing to the curation and development of our extensive School Archive.
Library Services at Bury Grammar comprises three well‑resourced libraries with a combined stock of over 40,000 items, alongside a rich and growing Archive containing materials that document the history and life of the school from its foundation to the present day.
You will play a key role in supporting the daily running of the libraries, assisting staff and pupils, and promoting reading and research. You will also contribute to important archival projects, including cataloguing, preservation and the development of materials that engage the wider school community and alumnae.
This role would suit someone passionate about literature, research, organisation and supporting learning across all ages.
Given the duality of the role, we are open to applications from candidates who may solely be interested in the Library or Archive as standalone positions; whether that be on a full time or part time basis.
Key Responsibilities
Library Support
Provide guidance and assistance to pupils and staff in the use of library systems, resources and services
Assist in the day‑to‑day running and organisation of the libraries, ensuring they remain welcoming, purposeful and conducive to study
Supervise pupils using the library to maintain a calm, supportive and safe learning environment
Use the Library Management System (currently ESS Reading Cloud) to issue, return and renew books
Support the promotion of reading and research through attractive displays, themed promotions and events
Assist in reviewing stock, including weeding, stocktaking and updating the catalogue across all sites
Archive Support
Catalogue and integrate holdings to support the development of a unified archive collection
Identify, classify and preserve historical documents, photographs, artefacts and digital materials relating to the school
Liaise with donors, depositors and external researchers, ensuring new accessions are appropriately recorded
Maintain records documenting the current life of the school for future archival use
Manage and care for physical storage areas, ensuring the preservation and protection of materials
Respond to enquiries from students, staff, alumnae and external researchers
Promote the history and heritage of the school through displays, articles, exhibitions and related projects
We are able to support the successful candidate in gaining relevant qualifications, apprenticeships or other appropriate professional development
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in reading, research, organisation and historical materials, coupled with strong communication and interpersonal skills. They will be confident working with pupils across a wide age range and enthusiastic about supporting both traditional library operations and archive preservation work.
Application Process:
Applications should be submitted using the School Application Form and accompanied by a covering letter addressed to the Principal. Your letter should outline your suitability for the role and reference the criteria in the Person Specification.
Bury Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check.
