Broadcast Media Researcher - Music Library

Job description

Broadcast Media Researchers within the Music Library liaise with BBC production and performing groups (most notably supporting BBC Proms output each year), as well as working with a variety of external orchestras and publishers. We are currently seeking a Broadcast Media Researcher on a permanent basis. This role will be part of the Music Services team, who collectively manage the central Printed Sheet Music and Recorded music collections on behalf of the BBC. The role is based in the BBC Music Library at our Archive Centre, Perivale but will occasionally involve working in Central London.

BBC Archives comprises departments in London, Caversham and the English regions (department of approx. 450 people), and is a key contributor to the programme-making process. BBC Archives manage one of the world's largest audiovisual archives, in an environment where new technology, digitisation and creativity are at the forefront of developing access to this very valuable resource.

Role Responsibility

The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out a full range of music library tasks including music and information research, cataloguing, preparation of sheet music for performance and the acquisition of performance materials.

The BBC Music Library holds a comprehensive collection of sheet music, ranging from orchestral sets to pop song sheets, music anthologies and composers’ collected works, plus a large collection of music reference sources. The Music Library supports the full range of music based output across Television, Radio and Online including the BBC Orchestras, Singers and the BBC Proms music festival.

Your responsibility as a Broadcast Media Researcher will be to supply sheet music and music information to all BBC productions and to assist with preparing music for performance including copying, editing and marking up scores as well as using music editing software (Sibelius). Additionally, you’ll advise customers on the use and suitability of material and information, providing alternative editions and arrangements if necessary.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re seeking a musically literate individual with experience of working within  a library/archive or similar music preparation environment. With a solid musical background, you’ll be comfortable with the classical repertoire and have gained broad knowledge across different musical genres.

It’s important that you’re able to demonstrate the ability to build effective working relationships with customers, and manage their expectations when required. You’ll work in a methodical manner with excellent attention to detail, with the ability to meet conflicting deadlines. 

You will be computer literate with confidence in using standard Office software and experience of Sibelius music notation software together with a working knowledge of electronic library systems.

A good working knowledge of music terminology (English, French, Italian and German) is also desirable.

Package Description

Grade 4

Continuing role

Interviews to be held 14 & 16 December

About the Company

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are very important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.