This is an exciting opportunity to join the British Library as Preservation Repository Manager and help ensure its digital collections are properly preserved for future generations. The Preservation Repository is a core strategic system within the British Library that provides the technical infrastructure to support long term preservation. The British Library operates this on behalf of all of the Legal Deposit Libraries in the UK and it contains all of the content acquired under Non Print Legal Deposit Regulations. Alongside this Legal Deposit content, there is an ever-growing collection of born digital and digitised content that requires active preservation if it is to remain accessible and reliable for future users.
Strategic management of the repository system will be a key element of this role as the British Library transitions from a custom-built system to a commercial solution and embed new workflows in business processes to ensure compliance with core policy and business needs. Alongside this, the post holder will contribute to the wider implementation of the Library’s Digital Preservation Strategy and play a leading role in related projects or initiatives to develop and embed supporting digital preservation solutions. The post holder will lead a team of operational digital preservation staff to both use and promote digital preservation tools and solutions across the Library, engaging closely with colleagues in other units to manage the overall service. The role presents a chance to play a leading role in the provision of cutting edge, large scale repository services, in a national cultural heritage institution with an international reputation for leading the way in development and implementation of best practice in digital preservation.
The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of digital preservation and its application within a large organisation. Ideally you will have some prior experience of managing a digital repository, but you will definitely be comfortable with project management and be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills as well as strong problem solving capabilities. You should have excellent organisational, managerial, and decision-making skills. The ability to work collaboratively and constructively in a matrix environment, including strong communication and influencing skills, will be key to ensuring the post delivers as expected. Most importantly you should care about the longevity of the Library’s digital collection and be motivated to work with colleagues to identify and mitigate risks to its survival over time.
Deadline for applications: 8th April 2018