Website The British Library
Company Overview
The British Library Internship is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the largest libraries in the world. Our collection includes millions of books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, sound recordings, and digital items that span cultures and centuries. As a world leader in knowledge, learning, and cultural heritage, the British Library is dedicated to preserving the past and shaping the future. We offer internship and apprenticeship programmes designed to inspire and support the next generation of professionals in library science, archival work, and cultural preservation.
Position Purpose
The British Library’s Internship and Apprenticeship Programmes for 2024 aim to provide aspiring professionals with practical experience in a world-class cultural institution. Through hands-on work, participants will contribute to the Library’s operations, research projects, and public engagement initiatives, gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to manage, curate, and digitize one of the most important collections of knowledge in the world.
Whether you are interested in library science, digital preservation, or public outreach, this programme offers an immersive learning experience that can jumpstart your career.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in cataloging and organizing collections, including books, manuscripts, and digital media.
- Support the digital preservation team in archiving and maintaining digital resources.
- Contribute to research projects related to the Library’s collections, working with librarians and archivists.
- Assist in planning and executing public events, exhibitions, and educational programs that promote the Library’s mission.
- Participate in outreach activities that engage diverse communities and encourage public access to the Library’s resources.
- Support administrative tasks, including data entry, report preparation, and project coordination.
Education
- For internships: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant degree program (e.g., Library Science, Information Management, History, Literature, Archival Studies, Digital Humanities).
- For apprenticeships: No formal education requirements, but an interest in libraries, information management, or cultural heritage is essential. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training alongside formal qualifications.
Experience
- Prior experience working in libraries, archives, or cultural institutions is desirable but not required.
- For apprenticeships, no prior experience is required as the programme is designed to provide foundational training.
Skills
- Strong organizational and research skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); knowledge of library cataloging software is a plus.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy.
- Enthusiasm for cultural preservation, research, and public engagement.
Benefits of the Internship and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Gain hands-on experience working in one of the world’s most prestigious libraries.
- Learn from experienced professionals in fields such as librarianship, archival management, and digital preservation.
- Access to exclusive training sessions, workshops, and mentoring opportunities to enhance your professional development.
- Networking opportunities with experts and peers in the cultural heritage sector.
- For apprenticeships: Receive a formal qualification while gaining practical work experience.
- Competitive stipend or salary to support your participation in the programme.
How to Apply
To apply for The British Library Internship and Apprenticeship Programmes 2024, please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position to https://www.bl.uk/careers/.
To apply for this job please visit www.bl.uk.
