Head Librarian: Scottish Poetry Library

Posted on: 23rd January, 2026. Closing date: 8th February, 2026. Apply by 8 February for this part-time permanent role based in Edinburgh.

The Scottish Poetry Library is seeking a professional librarian to develop their physical and digital collections and to manage the library service staff. The SPL provides free public lending and reference resources from its library building at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. A commitment to providing high-quality customer services for nurturing a welcoming environment is important. Applicants should also demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, social and wellbeing benefits brought about by the poetry library’s engagement with writers, publishers and borrowers. As part of the Senior Management Team, the successful candidate will help to shape the delivery of the SPL’s business plan. The SPL is an independent arts charity with national and international reach. Core funding is provided by Creative Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council. The Head Librarian will make a commitment to uphold, promote and defend the ethical principles and values of the professional body CILIP, including Intellectual freedom, freedom from censorship and the right of all individuals to privacy.

Person Specification

• Qualifications/Professional Membership: Professional qualification in a library/information related subject via various CILIP-approved routes, e.g. MSc. Information and Library Studies, MA Library and Information Services Management. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development, such as participating in ongoing professional networks and working towards one of the following: Chartered membership of CILIP. A management qualification, e.g. Institute of Leadership and Management (Level 2 or above).
• Knowledge/Skills/Experience: Experience of working in a library/information environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent IT skills and aptitude with experience of Library Management Systems (e.g. KOHA). Able to work with complex database systems with experience of extracting and manipulating data to produce reports. Experience of managing/supervising and developing staff – e.g. 1 to 1s, appraisals. Experience of stock budgeting, selection and acquisition. Experience of collections management. Experience of promoting collections, for example through events and exhibition. Knowledge and appreciation of poetry, and the work of Scottish poets. Demonstrates an awareness of the commercial and financial environment of arts organisations. Demonstrates an understanding of excellent customer service. Able to support, guide and encourage others in the team to achieve individual and team objectives. Demonstrates respect for others, fairness, equality, tolerance and openness. Can prioritise own workload to achieve required goals and supports team members to manage tasks efficiently and effectively. Strives to improve efficiency. An openness and commitment to embracing new technology and approaches that will improve the library’s service offer.