Head Librarian

The Scottish Poetry Library (SPL) is seeking a professional librarian to develop our physical and digital collections and to manage our 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.

The post is for 30 hours a week, Monday to Thursday. The Head Librarian manages an Assistant Librarian and Customer Services Officer, as well as placements and work experience opportunities that the SPL hosts. As part of the Senior Management Team, the successful candidate will help to shape the delivery of the SPL's business plan.

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.

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.

To apply, please review the job specification in the attached file and send your CV with a covering letter to Asif Khan, SPL Director at

The SPL is an independent arts charity with national and international reach. Core funding is provided by Creative Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council.