Graduate Trainee
About The London Library
For over 180 years, The London Library has stood as one of the UK's greatest literary institutions, inspiring creativity, and ideas. Our esteemed members, past and present, include literary giants like Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, and contemporary authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro and Sarah Waters.
Our collection boasts around one million volumes, a vast eLibrary, and an invaluable postal loans service, making it a sanctuary for those who cherish the written word.
We are championed by our President, Helena Bonham Carter CBE, and operate as a registered charity. We have over 7,500 members and charitable turnover of circa £5m per year.
The Graduate Trainee Programme
This 12-month structured programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within an independent lending library. It is designed for graduates considering a career in librarianship or information services.
We are looking for two Graduate Trainees who will be based in our Member Services team, but also work within the Acquisitions & Discovery and Collection Care teams during the year. You will develop practical skills while contributing to the daily operations across the Library.
This is an entry-level training role, best suited to candidates at an early stage in their career who are looking to build experience before undertaking postgraduate study in library or information science.
What you'll gain
A structured programme, including: catalogues and circulation systems; enquiry and reference skills; book handling and collections knowledge, and, membership systems and procedures;
Exposure to multiple areas of library work, including: collection care; acquisitions and discovery; IT and digital resources; governance and management;
Visits to other leading libraries and information services;
Access to mandatory and optional e-learning opportunities.
We follow the SCONUL Code of Practice and have an excellent track record of trainees progressing to postgraduate study.
About the role
As a Graduate Trainee, you will support the day-to-day delivery of Member Services, including:
Book circulation: issuing books to members, checking the condition of books, noting any damage at issue and ensuring that all loans are recorded accurately;
Member enquiries: assisting with subject enquiries, using bibliographic databases, external library catalogues, electronic and internet resources as necessary;
Book retrieval: locating and supplying items from the Library’s collections;
Stack management: responsible for maintaining a designated shelving section, re-shelving, tidying and ensuring correct shelf sequence.
You will also work within our Collection Care team helping to maintain the physical condition of our book stock, and support aspects of the Acquisitions & Discovery team’s work.
About you
We are looking for a friendly, reliable, and motivated individual who enjoys working with people and takes pride in delivering excellent service.
Essential requirements
- A good honours degree (preferably in the Humanities)
- Some experience in a library and/or customer-facing environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team
- A conscientious and accurate approach to routine tasks
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends
Personal Qualities
- A genuine commitment to high-quality service
- A positive, approachable, and courteous manner
- Well organised and methodical
- Adaptable and willing to learn
- Comfortable with physical tasks such as shelving and lifting books
Why Join Us?
The London Library offers a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive working environment. We are committed to equality, diversity, and supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to support you through the re
cruitment process and in the role. If you are passionate about delivering an exceptional Library experience and want to use your skills to help drive the success of The London Library, we would love to hear from you!
To Apply
Please download the application form below, complete all three sections, and send them by email to: vacancies@londonlibrary.co.uk
Alternatively by post to:
Vacancies
The London Library
14 St James’s Square
London SW1Y 4LG
Candidate Information pack
Please note that applications will be considered on the basis of merit and ability.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
We reserve the right to shorten or extend the closing date of any position where a high or low volume of suitable applications are received, therefore if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.