The University



At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.



Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.



At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.



We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here




The Role and Department



In January 1833 Bishop William van Mildert donated 160 volumes to found the University Library, located on Palace Green and in the same year Durham's first university museum opened to the public. Today the University Library and Collections offers spaces, collections, expertise, and services supporting education, research, the wider student experience and cultural and educational outreach. Collections and services operate across a wide estate of libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Palace Green. Our nationally and internationally recognised collections span early books, archives and manuscripts, museum objects and art, print and electronic materials and include a repository of digitised materials, research outputs and research data. Our users encompass anyone engaging with our collections, services, and facilities in person or remotely, this includes university staff, researchers from around the globe, students in higher education from Durham and other universities, school pupils and teachers, Durham's local residents and tourists.



We are an ambitious and developing team with a focus on providing the best experience for our students, researchers, and the wider community. We are valued partners working with students, professional services and academics across the University, and professionals and organisations regionally, nationally, and internationally.



The University Library and Collections is made up of six sections: Collections; Customer Services; Education, Learning and Engagement; Research and Systems; Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions; and Finance and Administration. Staff work flexibly between the sections, seven enabled by cross-cutting groups, Collections, Education, Engagement, User Experience, Operations, Research, Staff Development and a Programme and Project Steering Group.



The post holder will undertake a range of activities and gain experience in some of the following:



• Survey and assessment of the physical condition of collections, identifying causes of deterioration in book and archive collections



• Assist with a wide range of preservation activities within an historic library setting



• Application of preservation measures including construction of custom boxes and enclosures



• Undertake supervised remedial treatments of books and associated items



• Providing support where necessary to public-facing activities including exhibition development and delivery and other gallery-based activities.



• Using systems, such as the Library Management System, enquiry management tools, museum collections management systems, content management systems supporting websites and the digital repository; in support of user services and collections management



• Participating in short-term working groups and project work,



• Contributing to communications, social media activity, user-experience-related work and user engagement



• Contributing to schools education, wider public engagement and related activities



• Administrative activities in support of work areas described above



They will also actively engage in staff development activities, including formal training sessions, reflection, and self-directed learning, to develop skills and knowledge appropriate to the role and context of the internship.



Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.




Working at Durham



A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:



• You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.



• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.



• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.



• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.



• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.



• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.



• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).



• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.



• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.



Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.




What you need to demonstrate when you apply



To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:



1. A qualification in conservation (or equivalent experience)



2. Evidence of commitment to personal development to improve skills and knowledge.



3. Genuine and demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in book conservation



4. Good spoken and written communication skills including an ability to communicate your knowledge, enthusiasm, and interest to others.



5. Evidence of good team working and collaborative problem-solving skills.



6. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.



7. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.




Desirable Criteria



1. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.



2. Relevant experience in a similar role / environment.



3. Experience of the conservation or preservation of books and archive materials.




How to Apply



To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).



While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.




Submitting your application



We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.




What you need to submit



• A CV: and



• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.



This is a fixed-term role for the period of 12-months




Who to contact for more information



If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Tony King would be happy to speak to you. Anthony.g.king@durham.ac.uk




Typical Role Requirements



Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.



The post holder will undertake a range of activities and gain experience in some of the following:



• Surveying and assessing the physical condition of collections, identifying causes of deterioration in book and archive collections



• Assisting with a wide range of preservation activities within an historic library setting



• Applying preservation measures including construction of custom boxes and enclosures



• Undertaking supervised remedial treatments of books and associated items



• Providing support where necessary to public-facing activities including exhibition development and delivery and other gallery-based activities.



• Participating in short-term working groups and project work,



• Contributing to communications, social media activity, user-experience-related work and user engagement



• Contributing to schools education, wider public engagement and related activities




Service Delivery



• Provide an excellent service to our colleagues by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).



• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided including masks, gloves, and safety shoes and being aware of any hazards.



• Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools used in the conservation of collections from more experienced colleagues.



• Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.




Teamwork



• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.



• Support other team member to carry out their tasks when asked.



• Help colleagues maintain conservation equipment safely and securely.



• Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.




Communication/Personal



• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.



• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.



• Any other reasonable duties.



Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.



Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.



Version 07-2026