School Librarian

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; AED 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Education in Dubai is seeking a Librarian to manage the school library, assist students in finding books by reading level and interest, and supervise library staff.

You will handle cataloguing, Dewey Decimal system, book acquisitions, inventory, and promote reading programs while ensuring UAE requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Information Management, Education, or related field.
• Proven experience as Librarian, preferably in a school/educational UAE environment.
• Strong knowledge of library operations, cataloguing, classification systems, and digital library management.
• Familiarity with library management systems (LMS) and online databases.
• Ability to manage book acquisitions, inventory, shelving, and resource organization.
• Excellent research, information retrieval, and reference support skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, teachers and staff.
• Experience promoting reading programs, library activities and literacy initiatives.
• Good organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist students to find books appropriate to their reading level and interest.
• Prepare and maintain catalogues, arrange book loans, and track due dates.
• Develop reading lists for various age groups and coordinate library orders.
• Teach Dewey Decimal classification and library layout to students.
• Manage acquisitions, inventory, and shelving; supervise library support staff.
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and digitized library environment.

Skills

Library operations

Cataloguing

Classification systems

Digital library management

LMS familiarity

Research skills

Communication skills

Reading program promotion

IT skills

Arabic knowledge (advantage)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science

Tools

Library Management Systems (LMS)

Online databases

Microsoft Office

Digital learning platforms

Job description

Job Description

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Assist students to find books appropriate to their reading level and interest and help students and staff source topic-related books for study.
• Responsible for arrangements for students to borrow library books, keeping records of books borrowed, following up on unreturned books via written letters to parents etc.
• Develop reading lists for various age levels.
• Teach younger students about books, their treatment and the library layout including the Dewey Decimal classification system.
• Liaise with Heads of Department to select and prepare annual library order including selection and renewal of subscriptions for periodicals. Place orders and process delivery of new books.
• Computer cataloguing of all books using the Dewey Decimal system if applicable and produce catalogues of books held.
• Repair and withdraw old books.
• Responsible for the storage, maintenance and access to the audiovisual library.
• Where appropriate, find and encourage volunteer assistance and teach volunteers the procedures and processes of the library.
• Maintain, update and make available examination material (past papers, syllabi etc.) and college and careers material.
• Responsible for the general maintenance of the library ensuring it is comfortable, well lit, attractive, organised, clearly signposted etc.
• Participate in the selection, training and supervision of library support staff.
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct & dotted reporting line managers / supervisors.

Skills Description

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Information Management, Education, or a related field.
• Proven experience working as a Librarian, preferably within a school, university, or educational environment in the UAE.
• Strong knowledge of library operations, cataloguing, classification systems, and digital library management.
• Familiarity with library management systems (LMS) and online databases.
• Ability to manage book acquisitions, inventory, shelving, and resource organization.
• Excellent research, information retrieval, and reference support skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to support students, teachers, and staff.
• Experience promoting reading programs, library activities, and literacy initiatives.
• Good organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and student-focused library environment.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital learning platforms.
• Knowledge of book selection, evaluation, and maintenance of age-appropriate resources aligned with school policies and UAE requirements.