Materials Librarian

Foster + Partners

Role Definition

Job title: Materials Librarian

Reporting to: Head of Information Centre/ MRC on a day to day basis and ultimately to the Senior Partner

Responsibilities

• Main responsibility: The Maintenance, Updating and Organisation of the MRC, Pavilion Storage and Stewart’s Road Storage Facilities.
• Digitally photographing and databasing new samples which come into the MRC and the other Storage Facilities.
• Maintain the existing samples in the MRC and the other Storage Faciliteis; keeping them tidy and ensuring they are in their correct location
• Updating of the existing samples in the MRC by regular contact with representatives of the manufacturers/companies via phone, visits etc
• Research new materials, new technology, new applications and new sustainable materials
• Booking of the MRC for client sample presentations, design reviews, CPDs’, meetings etc
• Organising the MRC for client presentations, design reviews, CPDs’, meetings etc
• Ensuring the MRC is always kept tidy after presentations, design reviews etc
• Provide inductions on how to use the MRC to the architects, engineers etc
• Organising the curation and rotation of the different exhibition spaces within the MRC and Pavilion Reception
• Provision of a Daily Information and Research Service
• Provide information on the materials/companies located in the MRC
• Assist the Architects/Designers in locating materials/products/companies for their projects

Qualities and Skills required

• Able to demonstrate ability to undertake the above responsibilities
• Legally able to work in the country in which the position is based
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to meet the everyday challenges of the role
• Good research skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• General understanding of architecture terminology
• Good understanding of materials, properties and processes
• Material Science knowledge an advantage
• Library knowledge and qualification an advantage

This description reflects the core activities of the role but is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties within the group/department may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work. Job descriptions will be reviewed regularly and where necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs. Any major changes will be discussed with the post holder.