Library Specialist

About NABA London

NABA London is the first international campus of Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti and is scheduled to open in East London in October 2026. It brings together Italian design heritage and London’s creative sectors to create a studio-led learning environment for students in art, design, fashion, and related creative fields. The campus will be located at Here East in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers the chance to help shape a new institution from the outset. Programmes at NABA London are validated by Regent's University London.

Role overview

NABA London is looking for an organized and self-driven Library Specialist who will report to the London School Director and Head of Education. The role is responsible for keeping library spaces, collections, and services running smoothly, ensuring students and faculty can access resources, guidance, and operational support. The position also involves developing the library offer through purchases made independently or in line with requests, working with the Head of Education, Course Leaders, and faculty.

Library management

• Organize and oversee library areas and services so that students and faculty can easily use physical materials and online resources.
• Make sure library services and resources are clearly signposted and easy to navigate through notices, updates on the library website, service guides, and announcements for students and staff.

Library services

• Provide access to library resources for students and staff by handling consultations and loans, while also training users on the catalogue and digital resources.
• Assist students with research support and resource consultation.

Books, materials, and collections

• Maintain and strengthen the library collection through cataloguing, collection management, and disposal of books, magazines, DVDs, and dissertation-related materials.
• Purchase library items requested by Course Leaders and faculty under the supervision of the Director of Education, including books and DVDs, and manage subscription renewals for specialist periodicals and online resources within the assigned budget.
• Track and control related purchase orders.

Reporting and administration

• Prepare reports for quality audits and for any accreditation or regulatory requirements connected to the library.
• Collect usage data for library resources and services, then analyze it to support future decisions and acquisitions.
• Support back-office tasks and student services activities as needed.

Essential profile

The ideal candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in a humanities subject and bring at least 3 years of experience in academic or specialist libraries. Strong organizational and cataloguing abilities are essential, along with hands-on experience in library databases, cataloguing systems, circulation workflows, acquisitions, and subscription renewals. The role also requires familiarity with digital library tools and online resource platforms, plus an interest in at least one NABA subject area such as fashion, design, or visual arts.

Skills and working style

You should be highly service-oriented, able to help students and faculty access materials and carry out research. The role calls for someone who can maintain and improve both digital and physical collections, create internal materials such as signs, notices, and user guides, and work confidently with library management systems, online databases, e-journals, digital libraries, and Microsoft Office. Attention to detail, accurate data entry, collaboration with academic staff, and an interest in library technology and user engagement are all valued.

Languages

Fluency in English at C1/C2 level is required, both written and spoken. Additional languages are considered an advantage.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time onsite role. The compensation offered is £30,000 to £35,000.

Why join NABA London?

This is an opportunity to contribute to the launch of a new international creative institution in London and work in a collaborative, globally connected setting.

Privacy notice

Applicants are asked to send their application and authorize the use of personal data in accordance with GDPR 679/16. Personal information shared in a CV will be processed according to the principles of legality, fairness, transparency, and respect for privacy and rights. The data will be used only for recruitment purposes, including name, surname, address, email address, education, employment history, and job qualifications.

Additional information

The role may involve keeping library services visible and user-friendly through the posting of competitions and research opportunities, and staying current with trends in library technology and user engagement.