Primary School Librarian

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN LONDON; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The American School in London seeks a Lower School Librarian to foster a positive learning environment through a well-organized library program. This role involves direct instruction in technology, information literacy, and media for students ages 4-10, alongside collaborative curriculum planning with educators. The ideal candidate will engage with the school community, promote literacy, and manage library resources effectively.

Qualifications

• Fundamental knowledge of children’s literature required.
• Experience in teaching or supporting educational activities would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with library systems and technologies valued.

Responsibilities

• Promote a friendly and welcoming environment in the LS Library.
• Design and teach innovative TILM standards-based curriculum.
• Support students with book selection and reference questions.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Information Literacy

Organizational Skills

Customer Service

Job description

The Lower School (LS) library serves as a vital hub of curricular and extracurricular activity for students. The library is regarded by all members of the community as a classroom, a resource center, and a place to go for work as well as pleasure. The role-holder is a core member of the school’s TILM (technology, information literacy, and media) team. The Lower School Librarian/ plays an important role in helping to create an environment conducive to learning where students, teachers and parents feel welcome, as well as providing direct instruction in subjects related to technology, information, literacy and media to students ranging from ages 4-10.

The LS Librarian supports the LS Head Librarian to plan and implement an effective library program for all patrons, as well as deliver curriculum in conjunction with the Lower School and K-12 TILM teams. The role-holder provides behind-the-scenes and direct person-to-person support to students, teachers, parents, and other members of the school community, and enables library patrons to take advantage of the full range of available resources by supporting the organization and access to information resources and literature in the LS Library.

Summary of Major Responsibilities for Librarian Contract:

• Promote a friendly and welcoming environment in the LS Library
• Respond to patron requests in a timely manner and promote new items in the collection
• Design, implement, and teach innovative TILM standards-based curriculum during regularly scheduled library classes to Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 classes
• Collaborate with Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 teachers to plan and support student learning; i.e. curation of resources, integration of tech, information literacy, and media
• Curate resources for curriculum-based projects; create bibliographies of appropriate print and digital resources where requiredProvide reader support, take an interest in, and have a fundamental knowledge of children’s literature
• Advise Lower School students and families with book selection, reference questions and use of print and digital resources
• Model appropriate use of the OPAC and digital resources
• Provide support in organizing and implementing appropriate cataloging of new acquisitions in a timely manner
• Keep up-to-date with current trends and best practices in information and media literacy and school libraries
• Participate in regular, purposeful team meetings and in professional development sessions
• Participate actively in the life of the School, through attendance at events, committee membership, and leadership of extracurricular activities
• Perform other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job, as requested by the LS Head Librarian, Director of Technology, and the Lower School Principal

Summary of Major Responsibilities for Assistant Contract:

• In collaboration with the LS Head Librarian, plan and create dynamic displays to promote literacy
• Maintain communication with the LS Head Librarian to ensure library space is appropriately staffed
• Support the LS Head Librarian in creating lists of new acquisitions and subject bibliographies
• Support the LS Head Librarian in managing and coordinating parent volunteers
• Assist with the supervision of students visiting the library and manage the circulation desk for classes
• Assist and contribute to training and information sessions for colleagues and families