Metadata Systems Analyst

Contractual hours: 36

Basis: Full time

Job category/type: Cataloguing & Metadata

Date posted: 08/05/2026

Job reference: R

Location: St Pancras

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time (36 hours)

Grade: B

Salary: £35,993 per annum

This is the starting salary for this role, unless the successful candidate is able to evidence being in receipt of a higher salary, in which case this may be reviewed.

About the role

The Metadata department has a vacancy for a Metadata Systems Analyst to be based in London (our St Pancras site). As a member of the Metadata Systems team you will participate in the support of our newly-implemented cloud-based library system (Ex Libris Alma) to manage our published collections. You will also participate in business support for systems which relate to archives and manuscripts and collection management. Along with your fellow team members you will work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that library systems and associated processes are implemented and optimised to meet business requirements and that users conform to established best practice and recognised standards, contributing to the necessary training and documentation. Highly organised, enthusiastic and able to work to tight deadlines, you'll have good analytical skills, pay great attention to detail and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. In addition to knowledge of relevant metadata standards for published resources and/or archives & manuscripts, you will have experience in working with library systems, and knowledge of library acquisition and bibliographic workflows (published materials) and/or workflows related to the cataloguing and management of archives and manuscripts. A relevant degree or professional qualification will be an advantage.

We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items - a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.

What we can offer you

• Access to a defined-benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
• 25 days' holiday plus 2.5 privilege days.
• Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits

Things you need to know

• We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check).
• Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
• We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 28th June 2026

If you have any questions, please contact: