Prison Librarian

Corus Consultancy; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is looking for a Library Services Manager to oversee library operations at HMP Brixton. The role involves providing comprehensive library services, engaging with prisoners to promote reading and education, and developing operational systems to meet diverse needs. This position requires strong management skills and a commitment to supporting the rehabilitation of prisoners through effective library services.

Qualifications

• Experience in library management and operations.
• Ability to engage with diverse user needs and promote reading.
• Experience managing budgets and compliance with Health and Safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day library operations in HMP Brixton.
• Deliver high-quality library services for prisoners.
• Develop and maintain efficient operational systems.

Skills

Customer care

Management

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant professional qualification in library and information science

Job description

Main Objectives of Job

To provide comprehensive library services at HMP Brixton, ensuring high standards of customer care and preventing social exclusion of prisoners from library benefits.

To develop a welcoming, modern, and innovative library service that meets PSI 02/2015 requirements and aligns with the CILIP Code of Professional Practice.

Main Accountabilities

1. Manage the day-to-day operations of all library services within HMP Brixton.
2. Deliver high-quality library services that cater to recreational, educational, cultural, and informational needs of prisoners.
3. Implement targets based on development priorities set by the Development team or prison authorities.
4. Develop and maintain efficient operational systems (e.g., stock purchasing, cataloguing, circulation management).
5. Assist Development Librarians in service development, including annual reviews and modernization efforts.
6. Report to the Head of Learning & Skills for internal prison operations.
7. Collaborate with Development Librarians on professional library functions.
8. Participate in recruiting, supervising, and training Prisoner Assistants and other staff, including duty rotas and Individual Learning Plans.
9. Monitor the prison community profile and conduct surveys to support reading and information needs.
10. Select materials within guidelines to meet diverse user needs, including minority groups and basic skills resources.
11. Coordinate with prison staff to ensure library access for all prisoners.
12. Work with the Education Department to support educational courses.
13. Engage with external bodies supporting prisoners and their families.
14. Provide tailored enquiry and reference services, including legal research support.
15. Maintain and promote a local information file to aid rehabilitation.
16. Organize displays and materials to promote reading interest.
17. Ensure a user request service is available.
18. Offer user education and induction talks about library services.
19. Prepare reports and statistical data as required.
20. Represent the library service within and outside the prison as needed.
21. Implement Health and Safety policies in collaboration with prison authorities.
22. Maintain personal, library, and prison security protocols.
23. Manage enrolment, issue, discharge, shelving, renewal, and overdue procedures efficiently.
24. Adhere to equal opportunities and race relations policies.
25. Stay informed about developments in prison libraries through professional links.
26. Communicate effectively with other prison departments.
27. Organize library events to raise profile and engagement, such as workshops and author visits.
28. Assist in managing the resources budget.
29. Achieve personal development targets set with the Development Librarian.
30. Perform any additional duties supporting prison library objectives.