Application Guide

How to Apply for Librarian

at Chatham House

🏢 About Chatham House

Chatham House is a prestigious international affairs think tank with a century-old library that serves as a vital resource for global scholars. Working here means contributing to an internationally important collection that informs policy debates and research on critical global issues, offering a unique blend of traditional librarianship within a cutting-edge policy research environment.

About This Role

This Librarian role focuses on managing the Library Management System (Soutron) and discovery service (EBSCO Discovery), cataloging both print and digital resources, and providing user support and training. The position is impactful because it ensures researchers and scholars can efficiently access Chatham House's specialized collections, directly supporting the institute's mission to advance international understanding.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve updating the Soutron system with new acquisitions, cataloging recent international affairs publications, conducting a training session on database searching for research fellows, and staffing the enquiry desk to assist scholars with specialized research requests. You'd balance technical system management with direct researcher support throughout the day.

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🎯 Who Chatham House Is Looking For

  • A professionally qualified librarian with hands-on experience administering Soutron or similar library management systems and EBSCO Discovery Service
  • Someone with practical cataloging skills who can manage both physical collections and the institute's digital repository of publications
  • An individual with strong IT proficiency, particularly in database searching and Excel, combined with excellent interpersonal skills for user training and enquiry desk support
  • A candidate who understands the research needs of an international affairs think tank and can answer complex enquiries using specialized resources

📝 Tips for Applying to Chatham House

1

Explicitly mention your experience with Soutron and EBSCO Discovery Service in your resume - don't just say 'library management systems'

2

Highlight any experience with international affairs collections or working in research/academic environments that serve scholarly communities

3

Provide specific examples of how you've developed user education programs or improved resource discovery in previous roles

4

Demonstrate your understanding of Chatham House's research areas by mentioning relevant collection management experience

5

Show how you've balanced technical system administration with frontline user service in past positions

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with Soutron and EBSCO Discovery Service administration and how you've improved resource discovery", "Examples of successful user education programs you've developed or delivered, particularly for online resources", 'How your cataloging experience applies to both print collections and digital repositories in a research environment', "Your understanding of Chatham House's mission and how library services support international affairs research"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Chatham House's current research programs and publications to understand the library's user needs
  • → Review the library's online catalog and digital collections to familiarize yourself with their holdings
  • → Study the institute's history and its role in international policy debates over the past century
  • → Research how think tank libraries differ from academic or public libraries in their services and user communities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience administering Soutron - what improvements or customizations have you implemented?
2 How would you develop a training program for researchers unfamiliar with EBSCO Discovery Service?
3 Describe your approach to cataloging specialized international affairs materials versus general collections
4 How would you handle a complex research enquiry from a visiting scholar with limited time?
5 What strategies would you use to promote the institute's publication repository to external researchers?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic library experience without highlighting specific Soutron or EBSCO Discovery Service expertise
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how a think tank library serves different user needs than other library types
  • Overemphasizing general customer service skills without connecting them to specialized research support in international affairs

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Chatham House!

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