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Prison Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Washington

STATIONARY ENGINEER 3

Olympia, WA

$6K - $7K/mo

... library services, incarcerated individuals records, visiting and extended family visiting ... Whether the work is inside a prison, in community corrections, or in an administrative office, the ...

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How much do prison library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison library in the United States is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Prison Librarian should have a degree in library science or a related field, knowledge of cataloging, and experience managing library collections. Familiarity with library management systems and digital cataloging tools is often required, and some facilities may prefer candidates with security clearance or specialized training. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse and potentially challenging population are essential soft skills. These qualifications enable the librarian to provide meaningful educational and rehabilitative resources while ensuring a safe and organized environment within the correctional facility.

What is the difference between Prison Library vs Prison Librarian?

AspectPrison LibraryPrison Librarian
CredentialsMay require library science degree or relevant experienceTypically requires a master's degree in library science (MLS) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentLibrary facilities within correctional institutionsManaging and organizing prison library services and resources
Employer & IndustryCorrectional facilities, government agenciesPrison systems, correctional institutions, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral library services in prisonsProfessional role managing prison library operations

While a Prison Library refers to the physical space or collection of books within a correctional facility, a Prison Librarian is the professional responsible for managing and curating those resources. The librarian typically holds relevant credentials and oversees library services to inmates, making the roles distinct yet interconnected.

What are some common challenges faced by prison librarians and how can they effectively address them?

Prison librarians often encounter unique challenges, such as managing limited resources, adhering to strict security protocols, and serving a diverse population with varying literacy levels. To address these, it’s important to build strong relationships with correctional staff, develop creative programming within institutional guidelines, and prioritize inclusive collections that meet inmates’ educational and recreational needs. Effective communication and adaptability are key to successfully navigating the constraints of the environment while making a positive impact.

What is a prison library?

A prison library is a facility within a correctional institution that provides inmates with access to books, magazines, legal resources, and educational materials. These libraries are designed to support inmates’ educational, recreational, and legal research needs, contributing to rehabilitation and personal development. Prison libraries are typically managed by professional librarians or trained staff, and may also involve inmate volunteers. Access to reading materials can help reduce recidivism and improve inmates’ chances of successful reentry into society.
More about Prison Library jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Library jobs? Cities with the most Prison Library job openings:
What states have the most Prison Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Library jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prison Library jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Library jobs are:
Prison Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Library job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,859 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Faculty - NYC Bard Microcolleges

Faculty - NYC Bard Microcolleges

Bard College

New York, NY • On-site

$8K/mo

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description
About the Bard Microcollege
Offering a new model for inclusive higher education, Bard Microcolleges bring high-quality, tuition-free, liberal arts instruction to communities often excluded from the university experience due to a variety of structural barriers. BPI currently has two Microcolleges in New York City located in Harlem and Brooklyn. Each Microcollege is created in partnership with a community-based institution. Their strength is the result of alliances between organizations that are conventionally separate from one another but have overlapping missions, common purpose, and shared core values. Across the Microcolleges, students take liberal arts coursework representative of the four academic divisions of the college-The Arts; Languages and Literature; Social Studies; and Science, Mathematics, and Computing. The Bard Microcollege is an effort of the Bard Prison Initiative. For more information, visit http://bpi.bard.edu/.
Position Description
The Bard Microcollege offers small, seminar-style courses taught in person at the same standard of academic rigor as on the main campus. We seek faculty who excel in discussion-heavy courses that demand active participation of all students. Faculty are hired on a per-course basis; there are no full-time or tenure-track positions available. Following an academic calendar, each course meets twice a week for fifteen weeks during the fall or spring semester, or for a shorter term over the summer. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 9am to 2pm on Microcollege campuses.
Faculty are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Microcollege where they teach. In NYC there are locations in Brooklyn and Harlem, both accessible by subway:
  • The Bard Microcollege at Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza
  • The Bard Microcollege for Just Community Leadership housed in the Countee Cullen Library in Harlem

Qualifications
For most but not all subject areas, a Ph.D. or other applicable terminal degree is required (PhD candidates that are ABD may be hired in certain circumstances). Applicants must have college teaching experience in their field of expertise, and ideally a record of teaching success.
Salary: $5,000 for Language & Thinking and Citizen Science workshops
$8,000 for standard semester-long courses
$9,000 for First-Year Seminar and Writing Intensive courses
Application Instructions
Faculty interested in teaching in one or both of the NYC Microcolleges can apply by submitting a CV with a current email address and a brief letter of interest that should include a list of courses taught, which NYC Microcollege they would like to teach in, and a note about which semester or semesters you are available. Please submit your application here: http://apply.interfolio.com/46585.
Review of applications is ongoing, as course needs vary from semester to semester. The Bard Microcollege administration will contact applicants when there is an opening that matches their subject area and availability.

Apply