Project Library Assistant - Westminster, SW1A0PW

Project Library Assistant

House of Lords - Library

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As a Project Library Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively - contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You'll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You'll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster - a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

You'll help safeguard and enhance one of Parliament's most significant collections, supporting a project that will improve how historic and contemporary resources are managed for future generations. Working within a unique organisation that combines centuries of heritage with modern ways of working, you'll contribute to ensuring the House of Lords Library remains an effective, accessible and trusted resource at the heart of parliamentary democracy.

This is an opportunity to develop specialist skills while collaborating with librarians, collections specialists, researchers and project professionals across the Parliamentary Estate. You'll be part of a supportive and inclusive team where different perspectives are valued, with the chance to contribute ideas, improve processes and make a visible impact on an important collection review project. Whether you're building on existing library experience or looking to grow your career in a heritage environment, you'll find a place where you can belong, develop and thrive.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll:

• Support the review of Library collections by carrying out records appraisal, updating catalogue information, capturing data, and maintaining inventory records. This will involve working with a range of systems and tools, including the Koha Library Management System, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and other applications as required.
• Work collaboratively as part of a project team, contributing to shared goals, sharing knowledge, and raising questions or issues promptly to help ensure the project progresses smoothly.
• Assist with collection management activities, including identifying, retrieving, relocating, and processing items as part of collection moves and disposal projects.
• Help prepare collections for relocation in line with established collection care standards. This includes activities such as packing, labelling, transporting materials, and keeping movement records up to date.
• Retrieve and reshelve books from the Library's collections, including materials arranged according to the Library's historic classification system and, on occasion, the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme. Some of this work will involve using access equipment and working at height.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You'll have:

• Excellent attention to detail, and proven ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and motivation when performing routine and repetitive tasks.
• Good IT skills - particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to organise own time and prioritise duties, especially when working under pressure to meet deadlines.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

• Experience working in a library, archive, or heritage institution.
• Experience in recording bibliographical data.

• A demonstrable interest in rare books/special collections, including understanding of safe handling practices.

For full details, please see the job description.

What you'll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

You'll benefit from:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).

• Generous Civil Service pension scheme.

• A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.

• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.

• The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords - the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.

Ready to apply?

If you're looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Sunday, 6th September 2026.