Munby Fellowship

The Munby Fellowship was founded in memory of the late Alan Noel Latimer Munby, a greatly respected scholar in the field of bibliography, especially in the history of the book trade and of book-collecting.

Munby was Librarian of King’s College (1947–74), a Syndic of Cambridge University Library, and generously gave his time and expertise to all who asked for his advice and help in pursuit of their research. Read more about the legacy of Munby here.

The object of the Munby Fellowship is to continue his work by sponsoring bibliographical research based in the first instance on the collections of the libraries of Cambridge, and likely to be of benefit also, in the broadest sense, to scholars using those collections in the future.

Within that general framework there are no restrictions on the choice of research subject which may concern printed or manuscript material, in any language. For 2023-24, two Munby Fellows are sought and it is hoped that at least one of them will conduct research on materials from beyond the European language areas which have historically been very under-represented in Munby Fellowship research. 

Duties and how to apply

The Fellowship is normally tenable for ten months (1 October-31 July) and there is a salary of £36,382 (pro rata). The Munby Fellow will be given a work space in the University Library and will enjoy access to the Library’s collections on the same terms as the members of its permanent staff. A modest amount of help with research expenses is available. The Fellow will be expected to submit a written report on the progress of the research project during the second half of the tenure of the Fellowship and this report may form the basis of an informal discussion between the Electors to the Fellowship and the Fellow. The Fellow will not be called upon to undertake any routine departmental or other staff duties or responsibilities within the Library.

It is expected that the Munby Fellows will be offered non-stipendiary college fellowships co-terminous with their appointment. The open fellowship is historically associated with a fellowship at Darwin College. The new fellowship engaging with collections from beyond European language areas is associated with a visiting fellowship at St John’s College.

Who may apply?

The Munby Fellowship is open to graduates in any discipline, of any university or nationality. Preference will be given to scholars at post-doctoral or an equivalent level. The offer of the Fellowship to any foreign national (other than a citizen of the EU or Gibraltar) or to any Commonwealth citizen would be subject to the issue of a work permit by the Department of Employment.

Applications

The Fellowship is normally advertised each autumn for a post beginning in October the following year. The advert is posted on the Library's Job Opportunities webpage. Election to the Fellowship is normally made by March of the year of the date of commencement of the Fellowship.

Enquiries about the fellowship can be sent to Dr Suzanne Paul, Keeper of Rare Books and Early Manuscripts (sp510@cam.ac.uk).