The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) wishes to recruit a duty librarian for a one-year fixed-term contract. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual with a passion for public service to gain experience in, and contribute to, the work of one of Ireland’s leading cultural organisations.

About ITMA

The Irish Traditional Music Archive / Taisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann (ITMA) is the national public reference archive and resource centre for the traditional song, instrumental music, and dance of Ireland. Based at 73 Merrion Square, Dublin, ITMA holds the largest collection of Irish traditional music, song, and dance in existence. ITMA is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee and is primarily funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, the OPW, project funding from The Heritage Council, The Shared Island Initiative, the Department of TCAGSM, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Job Description:

Title: Duty Librarian
Reporting to: Director (CEO) of ITMA

This job description provides an outline of the key responsibilities of the role.

The ideal candidate for the position will be a service-driven, capable, and highly motivated individual who will work to provide an efficient and welcoming readers service to ITMA’s users. As the primary public facing role on the team, this position requires strong verbal and written communication skills, adaptability and a highly professional work ethic. The position holder will describe and make accessible a variety of physical and digital Irish traditional music materials for users.

Principle tasks of the position will include some or all of the following:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the library service
• Research and reference support to colleagues, users and key stakeholders;
• Cataloguing of existing and newly acquired multimedia materials to international standards;
• Preparation of digital media for ITMA website and digital projects;
• Web publishing;
• Purchasing new titles from publishers, and other suppliers, for the library collection;
• Multimedia digitisation;
• Participation in outreach and events;
• Coordinate the Transition Year Programme;
• Prepare reports and presentations;
• Such other related tasks and special projects as may from time to time be required to fulfill the objectives of ITMA.

Personal Requirements:

Essential criteria:

• A postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Studies;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Enthusiasm and commitment to the library profession and public service

Desirable criteria:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or industry related professional qualification;
• Broad knowledge of Irish traditional song, instrumental music and dance;
• Broad knowledge of copyright law;
• Competence in Irish;
• Competence in music literacy;
• Strong IT skills and experience in using databases or working in web publishing;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues;
• Ability to work to deadlines

Contract Duration:

Full-time, fixed-term contract, January 2026 – February 2027. The post will sometimes include scheduled evening and weekend work for events.

Additional Information:

While based primarily in Dublin, candidates should note that occasional off-site work may be required.

Terms and Conditions

• The post will be offered as a 1-year fixed-term contract.
• The salary offered for the position will be €33,914.
• This position is full-time on-site and will be based at ITMA, 73 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.
• A complete list of benefits, terms, and conditions as laid out in the ITMA Employee Handbook will be made available to the successful candidate.

Equal Opportunities

ITMA is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse working environment.

Right to Work

Candidates must have the legal right to work in Ireland at the time of application. ITMA is not in a position to sponsor work permits for this role.

Confidentiality & Data Protection

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Personal data provided in applications will be processed in accordance with ITMA’s Data Protection Policy and GDPR guidelines. Data will only be used for recruitment purposes and will not be shared with third parties.

Application Process

The deadline for applications is 20 November 2025 at 18.00. The application will include the following:

• A Cover Letter.
• A Curriculum Vitae.
• Names and contact details of two referees. References will only be taken up with approval from candidates.

Applications, by email only, should be addressed to ITMA’s Secretary, Bridie Flaherty, and emailed to [email protected]