Wanted: 1 Book Nerd
August 21st, 2009
So I’m looking for a job.
I know there’s a recession on, but I’m hoping that someone is looking for a book nerd who has:
- A Bachelor of Science in the history of technology and will soon have a Master’s degree in book history.
- Deluxe, honed-in-the-British-Library research skills.
- Is a great writer.
- Is well-read.
- Interested in printing, the early modern era, science, technology, medicine, and natural history.
- Has previous experience in a bookshop and a library, and is not afraid of dust or heavy boxes.
- Familiar with internet book selling.
- Up-to-date with all the latest books news, trends, and criticism.
- Has great customer service experience.
- Loves computers and technology. Knows about exciting things like blogging, websites, the social web, and digital photography, but also less exciting things like Access and Excel.
- Is good at admin stuff. Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, reception, answering the phone, filing – check.
- Familiar with Latin and French and eager to improve.
- Motivated and detail-oriented.
I’d love to work in a bookshop or library, but I’m open to anything. My dissertation will be completed by the 23rd of September, and I can work part-time in the UK until then. When I’ve finished school I can work full-time and I’ll be eligible for a two-year British work permit. I’d like to remain in the UK, but am definitely open to positions in the US (or Canada, Australia or New Zealand, for that matter). If you know of something email me: laura AT bookn3rd DOT com, and I’ll send in a CV and cover letter. Thanks!
Filed under hire me, work | Comments (8)8 Responses to “Wanted: 1 Book Nerd”
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Ever thought of going the way of the lowly Conservator, all your skill sets would and are greatly appreciated in conservation community. Im afraid that the History of the Book masters puts you oddly in the middle, and could send you in either the direction of the Librarian or the Conservator. I know quite a few places in the UK where you would be appreciated, but none off the top of my head that could arrange any kind of livable wages.
Good Luck to you… Keep writing!
Thanks! I would love to get into conservation, but not sure how I would go about that without taking a course. I’ll keep it in mind though, as I sort out where to go from here.
If you want to make yourself known to antiquarian/secondhand/rare bookshops that might have vacancies, the Antiquarian Booksellers Association often runs an ‘Employment Sought’ notice in their weekly newsletter around the trade. To have something listed, contact their admin office: http://www.aba.org.uk/contact.html
I started working for an antiquarian/secondhand bookshop while finishing my MA in London, and remain happily employed in the trade. I’ve taken the liberty of sending this link to the shop I started at, Unsworth’s Booksellers (http://www.unsworths.com), in case they’re looking for someone. They specialise in early printing in the humanities, particularly Greek and Latin but also English & other history.
Hey Laura – good luck with the hunt. If I had cash I’d hire you, but in the mean time I’ll keep my ears open for jobs!
Thanks James! :)
Great advice – thanks!
You may want to keep an eye on this list:
http://www.lisjobs.com/jobseekers/job-ads.asp
Thanks!