The posting
Job Description
Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library and archive of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the principal repository for the archives of the national bodies of the Church of England. Founded in 1610, it is freely open for public use and serves as a research centre specialising in church history, with wide‑ranging archive, manuscript and printed collections dating from the ninth century to the present day, including modern archives and digital records.
The Library’s vision is to collect, preserve and make accessible the memory of the Church of England, so that its history can be explored and enjoyed by all. Alongside its long‑standing strengths, the Library is developing new ways of improving access to collections and supporting research, learning and engagement.
Working as part of the Operations team, the Library Operations Officer plays a key role in ensuring visitors, readers, researchers and colleagues receive a professional and welcoming service. The role combines front-of-house responsibilities with operational support, events assistance and collections-related administrative work, helping to ensure the Library remains accessible, efficient and welcoming.
This vacancy will close at 23:55 on 9th November 2026.
Responsibilities
This is a varied operational role that supports many aspects of the Library's day-to-day activity. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, helping visitors and researchers, supporting events and ensuring that operational services run smoothly and effectively.
Visitor services and front of house
The Library welcomes a wide range of visitors, researchers and guests. The postholder will help provide a positive and professional experience for everyone using the Library.
- Providing a welcoming front-of-house service, responding to enquiries in person, by telephone and by email.
- Supporting readers, visitors and researchers by directing enquiries and helping them access Library services.
- Managing reception duties and contributing to the smooth running of public and staff spaces.
- Receiving, sorting and distributing incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries.
- Acting as a professional and helpful first point of contact for the Library.
Events and hospitality support
The Library hosts a wide range of meetings, talks, tours and events. The postholder will help ensure these activities are delivered successfully.
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of events, visits, meetings and public programmes.
- Arranging room layouts and preparing spaces for different types of activity.
- Setting up and supporting the use of audiovisual equipment, signage and event materials.
- Assisting with refreshments and liaising with catering colleagues and suppliers where required.
- Helping ensure spaces are ready for use before events and returned to an appropriate standard afterwards.
Operational and collections support
The Operations team supports the effective management and use of Library collections and services. The postholder will contribute to a wide range of operational activities that help ensure collections can be located, managed and accessed efficiently, while supporting the smooth running of services for colleagues, readers and researchers.
- Retrieving, issuing, tracking and returning collection material, files and deeds in accordance with agreed procedures.
- Maintaining accurate records across physical and digital systems.
- Supporting the transfer, storage, movement and management of collection material.
- Assisting with stocktaking, location checking and other collection management activities.
- Responding to routine enquiries and helping colleagues identify relevant information or services.
- Contributing to improvements in operational processes, procedures and services.
General responsibilities
- Work in accordance with Library policies, relevant legislation and established procedures.
- Contribute to a working environment characterised by respect, collaboration, compassion, integrity and a shared commitment to excellent service.
- Promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture in relation to children and vulnerable adults.
- Undertake other duties reasonably required and consistent with the nature and level of the role.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, takes pride in delivering excellent service and is able to balance a range of operational responsibilities. The successful candidate will be organised, adaptable and approachable, with the ability to work confidently with visitors, researchers and colleagues in a busy and varied environment.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience of delivering excellent customer service in a public-facing environment.
- Experience of supporting the day-to-day operation of a service, department or organisation, including accurate administrative and record-keeping work.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate closely and interact professionally with a wide range of people.
- Confidence using office software and digital systems, together with the ability to learn new platforms and processes.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, using sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- A flexible and practical approach to work, including supporting events, handling materials and undertaking a range of operational tasks.
- A commitment to providing an inclusive, welcoming and professional service.
It would be an advantage if you also have:
- Experience working in a library, archive, museum, heritage or cultural organisation.
- Experience supporting events, hospitality or visitor services.
- Experience using records management, collections management or archive management systems.
- Familiarity with audiovisual equipment used for meetings and events.
- An interest in history, libraries, archives or cultural heritage.
- A Food Hygiene and Safety qualification, or willingness to undertake training.
Additional information
- The postholder will report to the Operations Manager.
- The role is a permanent, full-time position based at Lambeth Palace Library.
- The role requires regular on-site working.
- The postholder will be required to participate in evening and Saturday working associated with Library opening hours, currently comprising up to 12 late openings and up to 12 Saturdays per year.
- The role includes manual handling activities, event setup and occasional working at height in accordance with relevant health and safety procedures.
About Us
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About the NCIs
The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.
We Include. You Belong.
Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.
Living out our values in all that we do, we:
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you.
We offer a highly competitive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing and long-term financial security. This includes annual leave starting at 25 days' plus bank holidays and three additional NCI days, family friendly policies, a wellbeing cashback scheme, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, a defined benefit pension with employer contributions of up to 18%, and generous life assurance cover.
Use of AI in your application
We appreciate that you may want to use AI tools to help you with your application. We're happy for you to use AI to come up with ideas and help structure your thoughts, but you shouldn't use AI to fabricate information or write your whole application for you. One of our values is integrity, and although we want you to demonstrate your best self, we don't want an AI-generated persona. If you simply copy and paste AI-generated content into your application, this will reduce your chances of success.
