Salary £53,853
Location Edinburgh
This is a permanent, full time vacancy that will close in 13 days at 23:59 BST.
The Vacancy
We are seeking a Head of Access to lead the development and delivery of the services and spaces that shape how people access the National Library of Scotland’s collections. This senior role will manage multi-site reading room services, digital access routes, enquiry and document supply services, and user-focused activity that helps people discover, use and enjoy one of the nation’s most important cultural collections. You will lead and support a large team, work collaboratively across the Library, and build relationships with external partners and communities.
A key priority will be increasing membership and ensuring that services and spaces are accessible, welcoming and responsive to changing needs. You will bring big ideas, strong team leadership, communication and decision-making skills, alongside operational experience of and enthusiasm for managing public service delivery in a library, archive or cultural organisation.
What we can offer you –
If you are successful, you will be working for one of Scotland’s premier cultural institutions, a library that holds the nation’s memory in its vast collections. You’ll have the opportunity to work flexibly, where the service allows, and we’ll provide you with training and development opportunities. We have generous annual leave and offer a pension scheme. And of course, you’ll join a team of great colleagues.
The full job description can be found at the bottom of this page.
You can contact Alison Stevenson (
[email protected]) our Director of Collections, Access and Research, if you have any questions about the post. Interviews will be held on 27 July 2026.
The National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland preserves the memory of the nation with collections that span the centuries, from the earliest times to the digital age. Our collections document the influence of Scots at home and abroad, while reflecting the ideas and cultures of the world. They cover all aspects of human endeavour in multiple formats, including books, manuscripts, archives, websites, maps, music, moving image and sound.
We support education, research, business and innovation and our work enhances the reputation of Scotland as a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant future. We are committed to providing easy access to our physical and digital collections and delivering services that are open and available to all. It is a place for inspiration, exploration and enjoyment, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
There are around 320 of us working at the Library who all contribute in different ways, whether welcoming our visitors, planning our events and exhibitions, developing and caring for our collections or looking after our buildings and people.
The Benefits
Flexible Working
Family Friendly
Civil Service Pension Scheme
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Health and Wellbeing
Discounts and Free Entry
Generous Annual Leave
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