Does Oxford’s Bodleian Library really need a race adviser?

It’s a difficult time for libraries. Budget cutbacks, online competitors and rival forms of media all point to a grim future for bibliophiles. Still, at least one trend is creating new jobs: the ever-increasing demand for PC-approved books means woke curators are very much in vogue. And now it seems that even the crown jewel of British university book rooms, Oxford’s Bodleian library, is trying to get in on the act with its latest right-on recruitment advert.

For Mr S has been sent a copy of the newest ‘job opportunity’ the Bod are putting out for a ‘project manager for race and inclusion.’ An ‘outstanding candidate’ is sought to ‘embed anti-racist practice within the organisation’ as part of the library’s ‘ongoing work around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).’ Bosses fear that the current collection is not inclusive enough; they now seek to ‘address’ this following an ‘increased awareness of the legacies of Empire, and growing concern regarding the experience of fellow citizens from ethnic heritage communities.’

The lucky candidate will get an annual salary of between £33,000 to £40,000 (kerching!) and spend the next two years creating a ‘programme of activities designed to advance strategy and policy-making in the Libraries regarding race, ethnicity and the legacies of Empire in the Bodleian.’