Working in the National Library of Ireland
The National Library of Ireland employs over 100 staff at a number of premises in Dublin city centre.
There are a variety of roles in the NLI, from working with our collections, exhibitions and events, to human resources, finance, marketing, information technology, conservation, education, building maintenance and security. Our teams are responsible for working together to deliver the NLI’s strategy.
Additionally, we offer a number of studentships and internships to suitable applicants opportunities for graduate students each year. Our Studentships are advertised via our Current Opportunities section, below.
Application Procedures
The application process for posts in the NLI will vary according to the specific position or type of competition.
The recruitment process may comprise of several stages, including but not limited to short-listing based on the information submitted, presentation, and competitive interview(s).
See below for all the current opportunities at the NLI.
The National Library of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
Each year, the National Library of Ireland offers a limited number of studentships and internships to suitable applicants.
Our students carry out work and research to support the NLI’s work in a variety of fields.
The NLI has partnered with a number of bodies and organisations since the programme commenced in 1999. The UCD School of Library and Information Studies, the UCD School of History, the Irish Committee of Historical Sciences and the Heritage Council of Ireland are integral to running this valued offering each year.
Our studentships and internships are paid roles typically running from October each year, for a 12-month period.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students and interns to develop their future careers. Since 1999, the NLI has supported more than 70 studentship and internship holders.
The NLI library studentship is awarded to a graduate who wishes to gain experience of working in a library in advance of undertaking a postgraduate course in librarianship. The UCD School of Library and Information Studies assists the NLI selecting suitable candidates. The NLI library studentship is the NLI’s most significant contribution to the development of librarianship in Ireland.
The NLI archival studentship is awarded to a graduate who wishes to gain experience of archival work prior to pursuing a post-graduate qualification in archival studies. The UCD School of History assists the NLI in selecting suitable candidates. The student gains practical experience of archival work, including skills and training which are fundamental to the work of a professional archivist.
The NLI research studentship is awarded to advanced graduate scholars of Irish history. The award process is conducted with the assistance of the Irish Committee of Historical Sciences. Recipients of this studentship have the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of the work of the NLI, and knowledge of the unique collections in the NLI’s care. Their work greatly contributes to an informed understanding of the NLI’s role within the Irish research community.
In addition, we offer a conservation internship in partnership with the Heritage Council of Ireland. Combining studio practice and research, this internship is part of the Heritage Council’s commitment to the promotion of best practice for conservation in Ireland. The intern, a recent graduate of a recognised book and/or paper conservation training programme, works alongside experienced conservators in the NLI’s conservation studio on a variety of collections from the NLI’s manuscript, printed and visual collections. The intern is encouraged to publish and present their work to different and diverse audiences.
Our Studentships are advertised via our Current Opportunities section, below.
Visitor Experience Assistant (Specified Purpose Contract)
A fantastic opportunity is available for a Visitor Experience Assistant on a Specified Purpose Contract.
Working as part of NLI’s Exhibitions, Learning & Programming Department (ELP), Visitor Experience Assistants (VEA) work within the Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again exhibition, located at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre and contribute to its development. The VEA will work with the Duty Visitor Experience Manager to deliver an exemplary visitor experience by welcoming visitors to the exhibitions, providing sales in the shop, engaging with visitors in the exhibition and assisting with the delivery of tours and workshops both onsite and online.
More information about the role and application process is here and candidate information is here.
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 9th May 2025.
Visitor Experience Assistant/Guide-2 posts (12-month Fixed-Term Contract)
A great opportunity to recruit two Visitor Experience Assistant/Guides, on 12-month fixed term contracts, has become available.
Working as part of NLI’s Exhibitions, Learning & Programming Department (ELP), Visitor Experience Assistants/Guides work within the Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again exhibition, located at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre and contribute to its development. The successful candidate will work with the Duty Visitor Experience Manager to deliver an exemplary visitor experience by welcoming visitors to the exhibitions, providing sales in the shop, engaging with visitors in the exhibition and assisting with the delivery of tours and workshops both onsite and online.
More information about the role and application process is here and candidate information is here.
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 9th May 2025.
Library Studentship
The National Library of Ireland, in association with the Master of Library and Information Studies programmes (MLIS), are currently inviting applications for the Library Studentship.
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who wishes to wishes to gain experience of working in a library in advance of undertaking a postgraduate course in librarianship. The student will work in the Published Collections Department of the National Library.
More information about the role is available here.
Application documentation should be in a single PDF document and submitted by e-mail to the NLI’s Human Resources Unit at careers@nli.ie
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 16th May 2025.
Archival Studentship
The National Library of Ireland, in association with the UCD School of History, are currently inviting applications for the Archival Studentship.
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who wishes to gain experience of archival work preparatory to applying for the MA and to commence UCD’s archives course in 2026. The studentship holder must have an interest in history and wish to pursue a career as a professional archivist. The student will work in the Manuscripts Department (Special Collections) of the National Library of Ireland.
More information about the role is available here.
Application documentation should be in a single PDF document and submitted by e-mail to the NLI’s Human Resources Unit at careers@nli.ie
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 16th May 2025.
Research Studentship
The National Library of Ireland, in association with the Irish Committee of Historical Sciences, are currently inviting applications for the Research Studentship.
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who is willing to undertake intensive study of a selected manuscript collection or collections which they might use as a major source in a post-graduate or post-doctoral research programme. The student will work in the Manuscripts Department (Special Collections) of the National Library.
More information about the role is available here.
Application documentation should be in a single PDF document and submitted by e-mail to the NLI’s Human Resources Unit at careers@nli.ie
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 16th May 2025.
