Front Facing Librarian Freelance

Hayy Jameel, Art Jameel's flagship project in Saudi Arabia, launched in December 2021 as a dynamic, 17,000-square-meter, multidisciplinary arts hub and quickly became known as Jeddah's home for the arts. Hayy is home to several Art Jameel-run spaces, including Saudi Arabia's first arthouse cinema, artist studios, a leading exhibitions venue, and upcoming maker spaces. In 2025, Hayy is launching a multimedia library space dedicated to supporting interdisciplinary research on arts and culture with a focus on the Red Sea and its entanglements.

Position Overview

Art Jameel is looking for a freelance Front-Facing Librarian to serve as the first point of contact for visitors at the Art Jameel Library. During their working hours, they will support the Library Assistant with shelving and cataloguing. They are also expected to familiarise themselves with the library collection. This role is crucial in providing excellent library services, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere and managing the library space during operating hours. The Front-Facing Librarian will be directly managed by the Library and Research team. This position runs for a limited period from January 2026 - June 2026.

The position is best suited to a detail oriented candidate who is passionate about the library, reading, research, publication, audio-visual resources, multi-media archives and has strong organisation and communication skills and is open to learning.

Accountability

The Front-Facing Librarian reports to the Library Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities Library Reception Desk

• Greet Hayy Jameel's visitors, answer questions, and assist in maneuvering the library and its materials.
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for the day-to-day operations of Art Jameel Library
• Coordinate, schedule, and lead tours of Hayy Jameel and its exhibitions. This activity will constitute no more than 10% of working hours.
• Maintain awareness on current programmes as well as public activations at Hayy
• Assists with telephone calls as well as responding promptly and managing the Art Jameel Library's inquiry inbox
• Assists in procuring Library related items and printed materials
• Support in updating Art Jameel's bulletin boards and internal dashboards with Library information.
• Maintain updated knowledge of Hayy Resident activities to ensure visitors receive comprehensive information.
• Supports in updating the website's 'Plan your Visit' page and other related visitor experience digital tools
• An undergraduate or graduate degree in Library Studies, Literature, Film Studies, Hospitality, or relevant degrees in the arts & humanities.
• Previous experiences as a librarian, receptionist, customer service, preferably in a cultural or creative environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable demeanor.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English; additional language skills are an advantage.
• Passionate and strong reader.
• Passion for interdisciplinary arts particularly visual and contemporary arts and cinematic arts.
• Detail oriented and meticulously organised.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent time management, communication (verbal and written), and organisation skills.
• Passion for arts and culture, with a keen interest in promoting the mission of Hayy Jameel.
• Proficiency in MS Office and basic inventory control and management.

Conditions of Work

• This is a 6 month freelance position based in Jeddah, KSA
• Travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and other locations may be required.