Assistant Librarian (Maternity Cover)
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Closing date: Wed, 18 Nov 2026
- Part time
- £20k-£25k
- Apply now
Tue, 27 Oct 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The Assistant Librarian, and Librarian, are members of the Concerts Department who work closely with members of staff within the Department, and select members of staff from other Departments.
The Assistant Librarian works with a focus on education and community work, particularly the BSO's On Your Doorstep (OYD) programme, and BSO Voices (BSOV), BSO's community choir based in Southampton.
The Assistant Librarian attends some rehearsals and events in discussion with the Librarian, the Concerts Team, and the Participate Team.
Both Librarians work closely together to meet the requirements of the orchestra's schedule.
Main responsibilities
To lead engagement with the Participate Team on OYD activity, sourcing and providing orchestral material for OYD rehearsals and concerts, and for other small ensemble activity within the BSO.
To lead engagement with BSOV, working with the management and artistic teams to source, create, and distribute vocal scores and orchestral material for their projects.
To assist the Librarian in maintaining, supplying, and preparing all sheet music required for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and affiliated organisations and ensembles.
To engage with player queries in a timely and amicable manner.
To contribute to the maintenance of accurate records within OPAS Next, the BSO's orchestral management software, with a particular focus on repertoire within OYD and BSOV programmes.
To work with the Librarian to maintain the organisation of the BSO's library and archives. To assist with maintaining in good condition, music and scores held in the BSO's library.
To attend some rehearsals and events (in agreement with the Librarian) ensuring that all performance material needs are met and to assist the Stage Managers with the distribution and collection of music pads from the stage as required.
Hours: 26hrs per week (0.8FTE, equivalent to 4 days per week). Office hours (09:30-17:00 Mon-Fri), some work may be required outside core hours.
Job Requirements
Essential Skills, Experiences, and Attributes
A qualification, or relevant experience, in music, musicology, orchestras, or any combination of the three.
The ability to read conventional five-line notation in a variety of clefs and transpositions, as well as a general understanding of percussion notation.
Consistent accuracy and attention to detail.
Digital literacy and computer skills.
A professional and pleasant manner.
Job Responsibilities
Desirable Skills, Experiences, and Attributes
A sense of balance between teamwork and initiative.
An ability to remain calm under pressure.
Confident use of music notation software, ideally Sibelius.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Any prior experience of performance librarianship is valuable.
An understanding of the requirements of professional musicians is valuable.
Current clean UK driving licence.
We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Assistant Librarian (Maternity Cover)
- Salary: £20k-£25k (pro-rata)
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Music
- Role: Curation
- Contract: Temporary
- Closing date: Wed, 18 Nov 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsSouth West
Job: Assistant Librarian (Maternity Cover)
Job: Assistant Librarian (Maternity Cover)
Organisation: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Postcode: BH15 1UF
How to Apply
Please visit https://bsolive.com/jobs/ and complete the application form and send to us with a cover letter referencing the Job Description and Person Specification.
Please send your completed application form and your cover letter to Nicola Fulker [email protected] by 9am, Wednesday 18th November 2026.
Interview questions can be provided in advance if requested. If you need any of the application documents in a different format or have any questions about or need support with the application process, please also get in touch.
First round, online interviews will be held on Thursday 26th November. Please indicate your availability in your application. A second round of interviews may be held in early-to-mid December.
If you would like more information or a friendly confidential chat about any aspect of the job before applying, please contact Librarian Ben Siebertz-Willett [email protected].
The BSO is committed to safeguarding through safer recruitment.
- Contact name: Nicola Fulker
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
One of the UK’s best-loved orchestras, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is known for championing the role of culture in people’s lives. Based at Lighthouse, Poole, the Orchestra is resident in Bristol, Exeter, Portsmouth, Southampton and Yeovil, and performs in towns and villages across the region. A registered charity, it is the largest performing organisation in the South West of England, serving one of the biggest and most diverse regions in the UK.
© BSO Sept 2026