About this role
36.25 hours per week
Magdalene is one of the most beautiful colleges in Cambridge. It has the longest river frontage of any Cambridge college and we’re located near the centre of Cambridge without being right in the centre.
The College is looking to appoint to the role of Special Collections Librarian. The post holder is responsible for the day to day running of the Pepys Library, Old Library and Special Collections. This involves overseeing the collections, security and day-to-day operations of the College’s historic libraries in accordance with best practices along with assisting the Pepys Librarian and Keeper of the Old Library in promoting a culture of public outreach and scholarly research in the College’s historic libraries. Specific duties include managing reader services, development of reader resources, overseeing the arrangements for security and conservation of the collections, managing the opening of the library to the public, and working with the Pepys Librarian on strategic planning of the Libraries’ development.
The post holder line manages and supervises staff, including the Libraries Assistant and temporary staff which might include cataloguers, interns and/or trainees; and also supervises on a day-to-day basis any volunteers in the libraries.
The post holder should have experience in a senior role in a rare books library or other relevant academic environment; a postgraduate library qualification; experience of cataloguing rare books and experience of handling fragile material. A master’s degree in library and information studies is desirable along with experience of managing staff. The postholder should be able to work as part of a team and have excellent attention to detail.
The position is full-time, 36.25 hours a week, with a salary of up to £40,460 p.a. (point 42 on the Magdalene pay scale) subject to qualifications and experience. College offers excellent benefits including:
Free lunch when in college. 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) Group Life Assurance. Help@hand Portal where you can access remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, savings and discounts, financial support and much more. Wellbeing classes such as pilates and yoga. Flu jabs. College pension contributions of up to 12%. The use of sports facilities.
To see a full job description and application form please visit special_collections_librarian_candidate_information_pack_july_2026.pdf
To apply please complete an application form and return it to the HR department via the above 'Apply' button.
Application Forms
Staff Application Form: Part 1
Staff Application Form: Part 2
Closing date 9am Monday 14th September 2026.
Registered Charity No. 1137542