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Prison Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wasco State Prison

Librarian, CF

Wasco, CA · On-site

$4.2K - $7.8K/mo

A Librarian (Correctional Facility) heads up a smaller correctional facility library. Incumbents ... Wasco State Prison-Reception Center 701 Scofield Ave Wasco, CA 93280 Founded in 1885, the ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

$47K/yr

Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Corrections Location 505 Prison ... The Librarian at Little Sandy Correctional Complex is responsible for assisting in theplanning ...

State of Delaware

Senior Librarian

New Castle, DE · On-site

$48K - $72K/yr

... prison braille program, Men With a Message, stationed at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center ... Applies standard library practices, such as acquisitions, cataloging, processing, and circulating ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Safford, AZ · On-site

$22.38/hr

LIBRARY & RESOURCE SPECIALIST / LIBRARIAN II Job Location: Address: Education Program and Community Reentry Division Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) - Safford 896 S. Cook Road Safford, AZ 85546 ...

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Prison Librarian information

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$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do prison librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prison librarian?

Prison librarians are professionals who manage and operate libraries within correctional facilities. They provide inmates with access to books, legal resources, educational materials, and literacy programs, supporting rehabilitation and personal development. Prison librarians also help inmates improve their reading and research skills, coordinate library programming, and ensure that library operations comply with institutional security policies.

How does a prison librarian collaborate with correctional staff and inmates to manage the library effectively?

A Prison Librarian works closely with correctional officers to ensure that library operations align with facility security protocols, such as monitoring inmate movement and maintaining inventory control. They also engage directly with inmates by providing reading recommendations, facilitating educational programs, and supporting literacy initiatives. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as the librarian must balance institutional rules with the goal of creating a positive and educational environment for inmates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prison Librarian, you need a degree in library science, knowledge of information management, and an understanding of correctional facility protocols. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging software, and security procedures is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries help librarians effectively serve a diverse inmate population. These skills ensure safe, equitable access to information while supporting rehabilitation and educational goals within a secure environment.

What is the difference between Prison Librarian vs Library Technician?

AspectPrison LibrarianLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science (MLS) often preferredAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, secure environmentPublic, academic, or special libraries
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutionsPublic, academic, or private libraries
Job FocusManaging library resources within prisons, inmate educationAssisting with library operations, cataloging, customer service

Prison Librarians and Library Technicians both work in library settings, but Prison Librarians typically require advanced degrees and focus on managing library services within correctional facilities. Library Technicians usually have less formal education and support library operations across various environments. The roles differ mainly in scope, credentials, and work environment, but both contribute to providing access to information and literacy support.

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What cities are hiring for Prison Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Prison Librarian job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Prison Librarian jobs?

The most popular types of Prison Librarian jobs are:

What states have the most Prison Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prison Librarian jobs include:

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For Prison Librarian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Prison Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Librarian job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

EJP Associate Librarian Application

Danville, IL

Education Justice Project
See more jobs at Education Justice Projectexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Job description

NOTE - EJP Associate Librarian is a non-compensated position, not a part-time job

Due November 15, 2026


Thank you for your interest in the Education Justice Project Community Library! The library provides resources that serve the learning and research needs of students at Danville Correctional Center. In addition, we offer programming and community space typical to academic and public libraries-a purposeful third space within the prison. Our primary goal is to provide students with just and equitable access to information.


The main responsibility of our Associate Community Librarians is to provide guidance and training for our on-site team of incarcerated Student Librarians at DCC. These EJP students are responsible for building, cataloging, and maintaining a thoughtful collection of print and digital resources, fostering information literacy, and organizing library events that continue critical thinking and discussion outside the classroom. Currently, we meet with our Student Librarians at the prison on Mondays from 1:30 - 4:30. We are seeking applications from individuals who are available during the 2026-27 academic year.


While there are sometimes positions available for library members who are not librarians, we are currently requiring an MLIS, current enrollment in an MLIS program, or equivalent professional experience. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. However, because EJP aims to create a supportive learning environment for our incarcerated students, we especially encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds align with those of our students. This includes members of racial minority groups, first-generation degree holders, and individuals from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. According to Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) policy, if you are formerly incarcerated within Illinois or are actively visiting a friend or family who is incarcerated in IDOC, it is unlikely you will be able to receive IDOC clearance. Unfortunately, this is beyond our control.
Please complete the online application, which you can access by cllicking the "Apply for this Job" button in the top right corner. We realize this language may be confusing. Associated librarians are not compensated. Unfortunately, our platform does not allow us to change the word "job."


Attach a cover letter addressing your reasons for applying with EJP, your reflections about working in a prison (including any apprehensions or concerns you might have), and anything else you want us to know about your suitability for this work.


Please reach out to Karen Hogenboom and Kelli McQueen, EJP Library Co-Coordinators at library@educationjustice.net with questions.


Thank you for your interest in the EJP Community Library!


Education Justice Project
University of Illinois
1001 S. Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
217-300-5150
info@educationjustice.net
www.educationjustice.net

Apply