LibraryJobline

Library Specialist, 20 Hours

Information That Empowers. Access That Transforms.

Do you believe in second chances and the power of information to change lives? Are you ready to bring curiosity, compassion, and creativity to a place where opportunities for learning can be rare, but deeply meaningful?

Arapahoe Libraries is seeking a Library Specialist to support vital library services at the Arapahoe County Detention Facility. This is a secure, highly structured environment, where your work will help connect incarcerated individuals with books, legal resources, and tools for re-entry. You'll assist with daily operations, respond to information requests, and collaborate with inmate workers to ensure access, dignity, and discovery for every patron. Every interaction is a chance to make a difference and help someone imagine what comes next.

About the Role:

This role serves the Arapahoe County Detention Facility's dedicated library space and supports over 1,100 incarcerated adults. Working closely with detention staff and library colleagues, you'll deliver responsive, high-quality services tailored to this unique population. From processing book requests to assisting with legal research and maintaining re-entry materials, you'll support district-wide priorities while upholding the identity and needs of this specialized environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Support

• Support daily library operations within a secure facility.
• Respond to inmate patron requests for reading materials, legal information, and re-entry resources.
• Collaborate with detention staff and library teams to uphold service standards and security protocols.

Patron and Collection Services

• Provide personalized advisory and reference support for incarcerated patrons.
• Assist patrons with basic legal research and LexisNexis navigation.
• Maintain and process materials, manage hold requests, and contribute to collection development.
• Help develop and revise re-entry and information packets.

Team and Communication

• Offer guidance to inmate trustees assisting in the library.
• Maintain clear, respectful communication with detention and library staff.
• Participate in regular training, learning opportunities, and feedback sessions.

What You'll Bring

Compassionate Collaboration: You build trust through empathy, patience, and teamwork.

Adaptability in Complex Environments: You remain flexible and focused in a structured, secure setting.

Service-Minded Communication: You support others with clarity, professionalism, and respect.

Equity-Focused Perspective: You value inclusive access and diverse needs.

Detail-Oriented and Reliable: You take initiative and follow through consistently.

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to work in and pass screening for a high-security detention environment.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals charged with or convicted of violent crimes.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), and comfort learning new technologies.
• Ability to serve as a liaison between Arapahoe Libraries and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.
• Willingness to wear a district-supplied uniform shirt and adapt to an environment of ongoing change.

Preferred

• Two years of customer service experience with incarcerated or at-risk populations.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience or coursework in research or library services.
• Familiarity with legal research platforms like LexisNexis.

Who We Are

At Arapahoe Libraries, we are a forward-thinking, inclusive organization committed to enriching lives and strengthening our community. Guided by our core values of collaboration, equity, and innovation, we believe in the power of curiosity and lifelong learning. Our motto, Let's Find Out, reflects our spirit of exploration and shared discovery.

Let's Find Out Together

This is more than a job. It's your opportunity to bring information, dignity, and hope to people working toward a better future. If you're passionate about delivering outstanding service and supporting learning in unexpected places, we want to hear from you. Apply today.

Inclusion and diversity are part of our values at Arapahoe Libraries. Qualified applicants who can support the communities we serve are encouraged to apply.