Join the British Library Advisory Council

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The British Library Advisory Council exists to provide advice and guidance to the British Library’s leadership team on the development and operation of the Library’s services and relations with libraries, at home and overseas. It helps the Library take account of the interests of diverse stakeholder groups in shaping the institution’s future. The Council meets formally three times per year, and there may be other ad hoc meetings as required; members’ time commitment is typically three to four days a year.

We wish to add four more members to the Council, and are interested in hearing from people with an interest in the British Library and an eagerness to contribute insights from their own expertise in relevant fields. We would especially welcome applications from people with any of the following experience or interests:

  • First-hand knowledge of how technology is reshaping academic research and publication
  • Regular use of the Library for research at post-graduate level
  • The strategic challenges of commercial publishing in the digital age
  • Management of museums and art galleries
  • Digital entrepreneurship
  • Supporting business start-ups and SMEs

Members of the Advisory Council are expected to possess:

  • An appreciation of the challenges facing the British Library as it seeks to look after the nation’s intellectual heritage, to deliver services for research, business, culture and learning, and to engage with diverse users, audiences and international partners
  • A high commitment to the breadth of activities of the British Library and to its public service and entrepreneurial goals
  • The ability and desire to provide advice and contribute ideas to the leadership team.

The appointment is for three years in the first instance, and is unpaid save for travel expenses.

More about the British Library

As one of the world’s great libraries, we make our intellectual heritage accessible to everyone, for research, inspiration and enjoyment. We have well over 150 million books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, prints and drawings, music scores, and patents, in most known languages, with eight linear kilometres of new items added every year. In 2023, the British Library will mark its 50th anniversary as the national library of the United Kingdom and, in Living Knowledge, the Library has set out an ambitious vision for growth, innovation and development as that landmark date approaches.

To apply

Please send a CV and covering letter to Richard.Gibby@BL.UK by 20 April 2018