£13.70 + £1.65 holiday pay
Advertising End Date
16 Oct 2026

Role & Department Overview

Are you a 2nd year Lancaster student? Do you have an interest in using and promoting primary resources? Can you help us to engage with other students to link them up with the primary resources offered by our Library? Then you can join the Library team as the AM Student Partner. 

Your role will be to advise the Library and AM on how we can help students to access primary resources. you will: 

  • Explore what is already available and review the scope of the Library resources on offer. 
  • Gather data on how students use and perceive primary resources in their studies. 
  • Present your findings to guide the future direction of the Library and AM to provide a better experience for students. 
  • Have the chance to learn more about how to provide access to and promote our primary resources. 
  • Gain valuable experience needed for a career in the library or publishing sector. 
You will work closely with both AM and our Library staff to provide a experience that bridges academic and industry practices.

The post is funded by AM. AM is a publisher who specialise in providing online collections and technology platforms enrich the study, research and teaching of primary sources.  AM partner with libraries, archives and heritage organisations to digitise the world’s historic and cultural knowledge.  View this video  to find out more about AM. 

You will work closely with the Special Collections and Archives. The SCA supports the teaching and research profile of Lancaster by caring for and providing access to rare book and archive collections. The role will be based on campus in the Library, the heart of Lancaster’s community, local and global.

The post holder will:

  • Enhance and develop analytical and research skills using focus groups, one to one interviews and questionnaires.
  • Gain practical experience promotion of archives and primary source collections.
  • Gain practical experience of a wider range of engagement methodologies to promote heritage collections.
  • Build and enhance written and oral communication skills through report writing and promotional activities.
  • Have the opportunity to visit AM’s offices to network with professionals at AM and gain access to mentorship opportunities.
  • Receive CV and interview preparation support from AM and Lancaster University Employment and Recruitment Service.
  • Build a portfolio of work that highlights contributions to the development and promotion of archives.
  • Have the chance to attend other events related to the post.

All travel and accommodation expenses for conferences and events will be reimbursed. Training for all duties will be provided. 

Please note: this role is only available to undergraduate students in their 2nd year at Lancaster
 
Preferred Start Date: 11th January 2027
Expected End Date: 25th June 2027
Working Pattern: 5 Hours per week
Location: On the Lancaster University Campus or remote. 

Job Description

The AM Student Partner will be based in Lancaster University Library. The student will be working 5 hours a week during the Lent and Summer terms. The main duties are to:
  • Conduct research into Lancaster University undergraduate students’ perceptions of primary resources, especially those available via the University Library. The research will focus on students’ experience and perceptions of primary resources and their perceived barriers to access with the objective to inform the Library and AM on how they can better support students to use their resources. This work will be carried out across the two terms and result in a report at the end of the project summing up the research with recommendations on how AM and the Library on how they can better support students to access primary sources.
  • Explore the primary resources available in the Library, especial those available in our Special Collections and Archive and via the AM Digital platform, in order to develop two promotional activities aimed at students, including:
    • Primary resources showcase at the end of the Lent Term
    • Podcast promoting collections held the Special Collections and Archives and AM collections available to Lancaster students on a core theme.
  • Introduction to the functions of AM and the SCA at the Library, including meetings with AM and Library representatives, with the opportunity to visit AM’s offices and attend relevant events to highlight the collections.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Current Lancaster University undergraduate student who will be starting their 2nd year in October 2026
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Desirable

  • Familiarity with archives and rare books (advantageous but not essential).
  • An initiative-taking, creative, and collaborative approach to problem solving.
  • Curiosity about primary source materials and their value in teaching and learning.
  • Knowledge of the AM Digital platform and collections available at Lancaster.
 
Working in this role will help develop the following skills and experience:
  • Analysing
  • Collaboration
  • Multi-tasking
  • Research
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Problem solving
  • Self-motivation
  • Time Management
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Knowledge Sharing
 
You are required to submit a cover letter to support your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please note: Unless specified otherwise in the advert wording, this role is only open to individuals living in the UK.

Under the terms of this work, we endeavour to provide the advertised number of hours however, hours are not guaranteed and that work may cease if there is a fall in demand. 

Adverts that display a closing date should be treated as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Help and advice on making applications can be found on the Lancaster University Careers pages. Visit www.lancaster.ac.uk/careers.