Robinson Bequest Core Collections Bursaries

Applications for two Robinson Bequest bursaries are now open until midnight on 26th  September. 

These placements are aimed at Masters and Doctoral students studying at Newcastle University who are interested in gaining experience of working in Archives and Special Collections services. They are additional to any government or university funding.

The number of bursaries available is agreed each year between the University Library and the Development Trust which administers the generous bequest left to the Library by Philip and Marjorie Robinson.  

About the awards 

• Each bursary is worth £3,000 per annum (paid in 3 instalments) and is tenable for one year.   

• Applications will be shortlisted and shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Philip Robinson Library for an informal interview.  

• Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain work experience in the Library’s Special Collections and Archives departments for 100 hours spread over the academic year.  

• The awards provide opportunities for students to gain an insight into the curation  and delivery of Special Collections and Archives services to complement their studies, to develop their graduate skills and enhance their employability. 

Based within the Special Collections team, you will support us in delivering our core Reading Room service. You will assist and invigilate a wide variety of researchers in their consultation of our archives and rare books. You will also deliver a curated project focused on interpreting and improving the discoverability of one of our 200+ unique and distinctive collections for these research communities. 

No prior knowledge is required, but a demonstrable interest in rare books and archives is desirable for successful applicants, as well as a commitment to providing excellent customer service. 

You will need to be able to work both independently and as part of a team, be confident in how to find relevant and accurate information online, and be proficient in using common Microsoft Office products. 

Testimonies From previous Bequest holders: 

I like that whenever I come into the library, I see a project I worked on and put a lot of time and effort into. Being a reading room supervisor held a lot of responsibility which I enjoyed. I love speaking to the readers who come in and I found my confidence in this part of my role develop very quickly. - MA History placement 

This opportunity has been an exceptional experience from which I have gained so many skills and further knowledge. - PhD English Literature 

Everyone in the Special Collections team was helpful, encouraging, and friendly which made the transition to working in the reading room so much easier. My experience of the Philip Robinson Bursary is overwhelmingly positive, and I would encourage all MA and Postgrad students to consider it. MA Archaeology with Museum Studies 

The Special Collections room offers a safe, calm and productive environment in which to do some interesting research in. - PhD Glaciology 

Eligibility 

• You must be a Masters or Doctoral student and be a registered student at Newcastle University. 

• You should be able to demonstrate a link between your studies and the Library’s Special Collections and Archives and the aims of the placement. 

• You must be able to commit to spend 100 hours based within the Special Collections Reading Room in the Philip Robinson Library during the academic year. 

• You must be available on a regular basis throughout the year (hours will be agreed with successful applicants). There is a degree of flexibility, but the expectation will be that agreed hours are honoured. 

How to apply 

You should send your application to Sara Bellwood in the Philip Robinson Library (email: sara.bellwood@ncl.ac.uk) Please ensure that you include: 

• A personal statement detailing how the Library would benefit from your skills and experience and how you think you would benefit from work experience in the Library.  The statement should indicate a clear link between your studies or research and the Library’s special collections and archives. 

• A full curriculum vitae (including your University email address). 

• The names and contact details of two referees (at least one of these should be an academic referee). 

The closing date for applications is: Midnight on 26th September