Job opportunity: Research Librarian

 

Samoa House Library is looking for a Research Librarian for a fixed term from January 2023 to December 2023. 

 

Samoa House Library (SHL) is an independent arts and culture library and alternative education platform located in Maota Samoa / Samoa House, 283 Karangahape Road. In our four years of operation, we have opened a public space for research and discussion, established a library collection based on public donations, run a calendar of public programmes, initiated a research-based residency programme, and collaborated with arts organisations around the country across a range of projects. 

 

The Research Librarian will:

• Provide a welcoming environment for patrons and field general enquiries

• Manage the library collection and catalogue, including processing donations, cataloguing books, and general maintenance

• Care for the library space on a day-to-day basis, including invigilating, managing volunteer calendars, and general communications 

• Support the research needs of library patrons

• Develop the collection through acquiring and commissioning significant texts

• Research and execute initiatives to increase engagement with the collection, such as the curation of book displays, the development of subject fields, and archival interventions that are responsive to SHL’s programming, communities, or artistic research at large

• Contribute to SHL’s social media 

• Work with other institutions and groups to develop relationships

• Work from Samoa House Library alongside our Kaitiaki/Operations Manager and report to the SHL Board of Trustees on a regular basis

 

A full job description can be read here →

 

This opportunity is open to practitioners at any career stage with experience in archival or library practices. Ideally, you will have an interest in artistic research and methodologies, as well as be engaged with the wider arts community. Good general knowledge of arts and culture across Aotearoa and an interest in publications is beneficial. This role entails a range of responsibilities, so initiative, proactivity, time-management, and communication skills are essential.

 

The Research Librarian position is a contractor role and is paid at a rate of $34.50 per hour, for 20 hours per week. The successful applicant will work onsite at Samoa House Library three days per week (exact days will be negotiated). Training and mentorship will be provided by the current SHL team. SHL is registered as a charitable trust governed by a Board of Trustees, with the guidance and support of advisors from across Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa.
 

To apply for the Research Librarian role, please send your CV alongside a cover letter to samoahouselibrary@gmail.com

 

Applications close 6.00pm, 25th November 2022.

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