Cataloguer/Indexer

Be part of the vision; be part of the RIBA.

The RIBA is a global professional membership body, and a cultural organisation, driving excellence in architecture.

Salary: c£36,000 pro-rata based upon experience and location

Location: London

Hours: 14 hours per week over two days, part-time permanent contract, to include either Wednesdays or Thursdays, other day negotiable.

An opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading architectural collections.

You will join a small and enthusiastic Library team dedicated to making a world-class architectural collection accessible to RIBA members, researchers, students and members of the public.

About the Role

You will catalogue and process books and other collection items before their release to the Library.

As part of our team of indexers, you will create records for journal articles to add to the Architectural Periodicals Index, which forms a substantial part of the Library’s online catalogue. Full training will be provided.

You will also work on our library desk providing public-facing support to library users. While the RIBA HQ at 66 Portland Place is being refurbished, this will be at our interim locations at The London Archives, Clerkenwell and at our temporary store in Stockwell.

What are we looking for?

• Previous cataloguing experience within an academic or special library environment.
• Excellent knowledge of AACR2, RDA, and MARC cataloguing standards and protocols.
• Familiarity with library classification schemes such as UDC, Dewey and Library of Congress Experience of working with subject-based thesauri and authority control protocols.
• Experience of working with Library Management Systems (LMS) and Microsoft Office.
• A working knowledge of one or more languages in addition to English. German is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and an interest in working in a public-facing role.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise and self-manage workloads.
• Attention to detail and an ability to work quickly and accurately.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• An interest in architecture and the built environment is desirable.

Why Join us?

Our Benefits:

The RIBA offers an amazing employee benefits package which includes (a) a generous pension scheme with employer contributions (up to 12%), (b) life assurance, (c) annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and paid closure of 3 discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. For more details on our benefits please visit our website.

Hybrid Working/Remote Working - Some working from home may be possible once trained, subject to resourcing a public-facing library service.

If you would like to apply for the position, please submit your CV and covering letter on our website after you click "Apply". Please note that we will only consider applications received directly through our company website.

Closing date: 28th September 2025

Interview date: 8th October 2025

Due to high volumes of applications, we are unable to respond to everyone, however, should you be shortlisted for interview we will be in touch. We may also close an advert earlier than the date above if we receive enough quality applications.

Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. We are unable to proceed with any candidates who cannot show the relevant documentation so please only apply if you meet these criteria. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

The RIBA aims to be an inclusive employer, committed to building an authentic and diverse environment where all are encouraged to be themselves. We champion work/life balance and welcome requests for flexible working across our organisation. We value applications from all sections of society and appreciate divergent experience, therefore if you are excited about the role and working with us, yet your experience may not align perfectly with every single skill or competency, we encourage you to apply anyway.

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