Librarian in Birmingham

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people. Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’. This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

An exciting 12-month temporary opportunity has become available for an experienced Librarian at West Midlands Fire Service. As part of the People Development Team, you will play a key part in ensuring that our workforce is able to continuously access relevant and appropriate learning and development resources.

The Brigade Library is based at our Oldbury Training Facility and houses over 4000 books and journals which can be searched and requested by our people via the Library Catalogue. We also provide access to EBSCO Business Core Collection for all staff. In addition, our Fire Service Museum based at Aston Fire Station houses our Heritage collection, charting the history of the fire service in the West Midlands. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic librarian with a genuine passion for education and ability to provide library information services to meet the needs of all areas of learning required across the Service to ensure that all staff have access to relevant information, knowledge, and guidance.

The role also provides support to our Heritage team, cataloguing the Heritage Collection for members of the public to learn about the rich history of the Fire Service. There is also potential to support the People Development Team with administration duties such as managing delegate invites, evaluation and feedback and training resource preparation.

Responsibilities

• Use specialist and bespoke software systems and applications to manage and maintain library collections, including cataloguing, classifying, and organizing books, digital resources, and archival materials.
• Provide expert input and professional insight to assist our staff to locate information, conduct research, and use library systems and databases effectively.
• Use strong facilitation skills to develop and implement both in-person and virtual programmes, workshops, and events to promote learning.
• Manage circulation activities such as issuing, returning, and renewing materials, and managing overdue items.
• Maintain accurate records and update library databases and catalogues in line with established standards.
• Evaluate, select and acquire new materials to ensure collections remain current, relevant, and diverse.
• Provide guidance to staff on the use of digital resources, e-books, and online research tools.
• Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders to promote the use of and access to library resources.

Essential skills or experience

• Library qualification – educated to at least L6 Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Management or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in a library setting and demonstrated ability to manage collections independently and operate library management systems confidently.
• Ability to work on your own and as part of a team.
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills.
• Proven decision making and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, user support and training delivery skills.
• Understanding of copyright and data protection laws, Information governance and confidentiality.

Desirable Skills or experience

• Ability to develop digital learning resources.
• A recognised Coaching qualification or proven coaching experience.

You’ll typically be based at HQ, although the team works in a hybrid form and you’ll need to be flexible in your work pattern and location to meet the needs of the role and to be able to effectively work with the other members of the team.

Benefits

• Flexible and agile working arrangements.
• Free, on-site gym facilities.
• Free, on-site parking.
• Enhanced family leave benefits including 52 weeks full paid maternity and adoption leave.
• Access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Wellbeing programmes.
• ‘Blue light’ discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes.
• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups. WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member. Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to apply

To apply for the role, please complete the application form via Oracle by 9am 15 May 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to take part in an interview and deliver a presentation w/c 1st June 2026.

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Claire.Husselbee@wmfs.net or kerry.evans@wmfs.net.