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.
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.
Current opportunities to join the team at the National Library of Ireland are listed below.
Book Conservator Assistant Keeper, Grade 2
An exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced Book Conservator to join our growing team.
We’re currently recruiting for this challenging and engaging role. reporting to the Conservation Services Manager, the Book Conservator will provide expert conservation and preservation guidance and support in treatment of the NLI’s collections, including providing hands-on treatment, the stabilisation of material for digitisation, display, loans, photography and research. Our team values of excellence and professionalism are underpinned by a team culture of openness and growth.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here
Applicants should submit a copy of their current Curriculum Vitae with a letter of interest and the names and contact details of two referees. These should be submitted by e-mail to: careers@nli.ie
Please note that all application documentation should be submitted in a single PDF document.
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 23rd October 03:00PM
Visual Collections Assistant Keeper Grade 2
An exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced Visual Collections Assistant Keeper at Grade 2 to join our busy team.
We’re currently recruiting to this exciting and busy role. Reporting to the Assistant Keeper, Grade 1 (Manuscripts, Prints and Drawings), the purpose of this role is to support research on the NLI’s collection of Prints and Drawings and Ephemera (PDE) and to promote an interest in this collection. A particular focus in the first year following appointment will be supporting the re-establishment of onsite access to the Library’s PDE collections, via the refurbished Art Room.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here
Applicants should submit a copy of their current Curriculum Vitae with a letter of interest and the names and contact details of two referees. Please note that all application documentation should be submitted in a single PDF document. These should be submitted by e-mail to: careers@nli.ie
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 03:00pm, Monday 23rd October 2023.
Senior Graphic Designer at Higher Executive Officer Level
We are currently inviting applications for a Senior Graphic Designer at Higher Executive Officer level in the Communications & Development Office at the National Library of Ireland.
The Senior Graphic Designer will be based in the Communications and Development office and will be responsible for design work across all of the NLI’s communications. They will provide a quality, creative design service to various departments in the NLI.
They will conceptualize, plan, design, and manage production for a suite of marketing and promotional materials (both physical and digital), corporate communications, and exhibition and interpretation visuals.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here.
Applicants should submit a copy of their current Curriculum Vitae with a letter of interest and the names and contact details of two referees. Please note that all application documentation should be submitted in a single PDF document. These should be submitted by e-mail to: careers@nli.ie
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 13th October 2023.
Senior Science & Art Attendance at Clerical Officer Level - Estates Department
Another exciting opportunity to join our Estates Department.
We are currently inviting applications for a Senior Science & Art Attendant at Clerical Officer Level in the Estates Department at the National Library of Ireland.
Working as part of the NLI’s Estates team and reporting to the Executive Officer for Estates, the role of Senior Science and Art Attendant in the National Library of Ireland is to contribute proactively to the team’s provision of excellent front of house services to visitors, ensuring an enhanced visitor experience while ensuring the safety of the visitors, collections, staff and facilities as appropriate to the role. The job holder must be fully competent and available to undertake the duties attached to the position.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here.
Applicants should submit a copy of their current Curriculum Vitae with a letter of interest and the names and contact details of two referees. Please note that all application documentation should be submitted in a single PDF document. These should be submitted by e-mail to: careers@nli.ie
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 09th October 2023.
Executive Officer - Estates Department
A great opportunity to join our Estates Department.
We are currently inviting applications for an Executive Officer in the Estates Department at the National Library of Ireland.
Working as part of the NLI’s Estates team and reporting to the NLI Buildings and Security Manager, the role of the Executive Officer in the Estates Department in the National Library of Ireland is to provide excellent management of the NLI front of house Science and Art Attendant and Cleaning teams, contract service teams and facilities maintenance operations as appropriate to the role.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here.
Applicants should submit a copy of their current Curriculum Vitae with a letter of interest and the names and contact details of two referees.
Please note that all application documentation should be submitted in a single PDF document. These should be submitted by e-mail to: careers@nli.ie
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 09th October 2023.
