Head of Library, Archive and Evidence

We are RCVS Knowledge, a charity with a mission to advance the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We empower and support veterinary teams to provide evidence-based, quality care and improved animal health and welfare outcomes.

• Our vision is for healthier animals, people and planet.
• Our mission is to advance the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public, and society.
• We are driven by our purpose: to empower and support veterinary teams to provide evidence-based, quality care and improved animal health and welfare outcomes.

Our strength is in working together with veterinary teams, animal owners and all those involved in animal health to advance the quality of veterinary care.

We are the charity partner of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Job purpose

We are looking for a dynamic, collaborative library professional to lead our library, archives and evidence function into its next phase of development and growth.

With a commitment to delivering high-quality services, you will be forward-thinking in driving increased usage of our library and greater visibility for the stories and insights contained within our archive and historical book collection. You’ll have an excellent understanding of what makes a modern, engaging library and information service, and the strategic vision and operational leadership skills to put it into practice.

As a member of our senior team, you’ll contribute to strategic discussions that shape the broader development of the charity, as well as being responsible for monitoring and achieving delivery and financial targets for your team. You will take a proactive approach to identifying and capitalising on opportunities to generate income from our library and archive. Your excellent people skills will enable you to forge strong working relationships with colleagues and to develop excellent relationships with external stakeholders to advance the profile of the organisation.

It’s an exciting time to join us, as we embark on a new five-year organisational strategy, move into a new home at the new RCVS building in central London, and explore how new technologies can extend reach and engagement with our services and resources.

RCVS Knowledge welcomes hybrid and flexible working. For this full-time role, the post-holder will need to work on site in central London for at least three days per week.

We offer an excellent range of benefits, including a wellbeing allowance and up to 12% employer pension contribution. You’d be joining a friendly, committed team in an organisation with strong values and sense of purpose.

Key responsibilities

Library and information service

• Ensure provision of a high-quality library and information service, responsive to user need
• Develop the strategy for the library and information service, focusing on innovative approaches to income generation, strategic partnerships and leveraging digital technology to enhance service delivery
• Monitor library usage data as well as service and financial performance to identify areas for improvement
• Grow the library membership through market analysis and a range of marketing activities, working with the communications and marketing team
• Manage contract negotiation with suppliers to ensure cost-effective, high-quality services
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships and charged-for services, to support library initiatives

Archive and historical book collection

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the archive and historical book collection, including resource management, collection development and outreach strategies. 
• Provide oversight of the day-to-day management of the archive and historical book collection
• Develop innovative ways to engage more veterinary professionals and the public with the archive and historical book collection, such as through exhibitions, online resources and engaging with researchers and students. 
• Identify and capitalise on opportunities to generate income from the archive and historical book collection, such as through grant funding or philanthropic support 

Evidence

• Oversee the development and delivery of resources to promote evidence-based veterinary medicine, including toolkits and the journal watch service.
• Provide leadership to the Veterinary Evidence publishing team, supporting the team to develop and to review and achieve targets
• Identify and deliver on opportunities to increase readership of the Veterinary Evidence journal, working with the communications and marketing team

Other

• Be a visible advocate and ambassador for the library, archive and Veterinary Evidence journal, forging strong relationships with the RCVS, with members of the veterinary professions and with relevant organisations
• Lead and motivate team members, providing guidance, training and opportunities for professional development
• Manage budgets, reviewing expenditure and exploring additional income streams
• Provide guidance on legal issues in information provision such as copyright and data protection
• Contribute actively to the overall strategic development and performance of RCVS Knowledge through being part of the senior team

Required skills, knowledge & experience

• Undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in library or information science
• Track record of leading library teams to deliver seamless, high-quality services within a complex environment
• Good knowledge of the systems, processes and tools involved in delivering an effective information service, including the use of library management systems
• Ability to identify and implement new and innovative approaches to library services
• Excellent interpersonal skills including relationship building, influencing and negotiating with a wide range of people and organisations, using tact and diplomacy
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and lead change
• A strong commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Commercial acumen, with experience of managing budgets and a good understanding of business principles, financial planning and resource management. 
• Willingness and ability to flex seamlessly from developing the strategic big picture to supporting the team with delivery
• Experience of giving presentations, with the willingness and ability to present engagingly to groups of people online and in-person about our services and collections
• Understanding of academic journal processes and landscape
• Knowledge of licensing and copyright best practice

Desirable skills, knowledge & experience

• Experience of conservation of historical materials and engagement/outreach activities
• Experience of librarianship in a medical, academic or membership setting
• Experience of developing and monetising information products and services
• Experience of using finance systems (eg, SAGE) and CRM systems
• Experience of applying for grant funding and delivering successful grant-aided projects.

Closing Date - 30th June 2025

1st interviews (online): 14 July pm or 15 July am

2nd Interview - 23rd July (in person)

*Please apply with a cover letter to be attached to your CV and uploaded as one single document. In the cover letter, please set out your suitability for the role and demonstrate how you meet the Person Specification as detailed above in the Job Description*