BLACKWELL’S is to shed 55 jobs after closing its library services arm.

The company’s boss has said the firm would now be focusing on its bookselling and online services.

The jobs are to be axed at the division’s Cowley base as part of a continuing major shake-up at the firm as it battles to get back into profit.

Chief executive David Prescott said: “It has been a difficult decision but unfortunately it is a loss-making part of the business.

“Blackwell’s will be seeking to find alternative positions for some employees and we will help them find future employment elsewhere if necessary.”

The division sold books primarily to academic libraries. Now it has sold its existing UK, European and Afraican academic library contacts to Dawson Books for an undisclosed sum.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Blackwell’s was closing its Oxford music store and moving the business into the main bookshop on Broad Street, which is now the company headquarters.