Working in the National Library of Ireland
![Image of hands typing at a computer with manuscript on desk](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-06/nli-nov-22-screen-res-50.jpg?h=78aab1d8&itok=tBKBT42W)
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.
Current opportunities to join the team at the National Library of Ireland are listed below.
HR Manager
We’re currently recruiting to this exciting and busy role in a growing HR team. Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, the HR Manager is at the interface of strategy and operations for HR in the NLI and will be responsible for managing programming across the full extent of the NLI’s HR remit.
The HR Unit is at the heart of bringing our organisational mission and strategy to life. We work to the NLI’s values of welcome, trust, collaboration and a progressive approach, and the Unit’s work is sited under the NLI’s strategic pillar of Innovation. A key part of this role is mentoring others in the HR team in the context of a team ethos of excellence and professionalism supported by openness and growth. The successful candidate will work in an environment in which innovation and new ideas are welcomed and in which there will be huge scope to contribute directly to HR and organisational strategy.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here.
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 01 July 2024, at 3pm.
Senior ICT Officer (Operations Manager)
An exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced Senior ICT Officer to join our busy team.
As Senior ICT Officer (Operations Manager), you’ll be an integral part of the ICT Infrastructure & Operations team. Working closely with the ICT Infrastructure & Operations Lead, you’ll contribute to planning, developing, and implementing the ICT Infrastructure and services needed for the NLI to meet its objectives both as a modern, productive workplace and as trusted and specialized digital collecting institution.
More information about the role and how to apply is available here.
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 01 July 2024, at 3pm.
Digital Preservation Analyst
We’re currently recruiting to this exciting and busy role. The Digital Preservation Analyst plays a critical role in embedding good practice in digital preservation across the NLI. Some of these initiatives include developing and maintaining policy, guidelines and procedures in relation to digital preservation, contributing to the needs analysis, scoping and requirements for the digital repository system and contributing to risk management in a digital preservation context.
More information about the role and how to apply is available here.
Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is 03 July 2024, at 3pm.
2024-2025 Library Studentship
The NLI is currently inviting applications for our Library Studentship.
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who wishes to gain experience of working in a library in advance of undertaking a postgraduate course in Librarianship. The Studentship holder will work in the Published Collections department.
More information about the role and how to apply are available here.
Applications must be made on the official National Library of Ireland application form which can be found here.
Completed application forms should be 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, 26 June 2024.
2024-2025 Archival Studentship
The NLI is currently inviting applications for our Archival Studentship.
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who wishes to gain experience of archival work preparatory to applying for the MA in Archives and Records Management at UCD in 2025. They must have an interest in history and must wish to pursue a career as a professional archivist. The Studentship holder will work in the Manuscripts Department (Special Collections).
More information about the role and how to apply are available here.
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 26 June 2024.
2024-2025 Research Studentship
The NLI, in association with the Irish Committee of Historical Sciences, is currently inviting applications for our 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 he/she 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 and how to apply are available here.
Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications is 3:00pm, 26 June 2024.