Position Type: Classified
Work Schedule: 29.5 hours per week
Reports To: Principal or Designee
Location: Peru Junior Senior High School
Position Summary
The High School Librarian is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the high school library and provides a welcoming, organized, and student-centered environment that supports learning, reading, research, and academic success. The librarian assists students and staff in locating and using print and digital resources, maintains library materials and systems, supports technology and information literacy, and promotes reading and responsible use of information.
This position requires strong organizational, communication, customer service, and technology skills, as well as the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain a positive and orderly environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Library Operations
- Open and maintain the library according to established school procedures.
- Maintain an inviting, organized, and functional library environment.
- Manage circulation of books, materials, equipment, and other resources.
- Check materials in and out and maintain accurate circulation records.
- Shelve, organize, label, and maintain library materials.
- Monitor and maintain the condition of library resources and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of inventory, lost or damaged materials, and other library‑related information.
- Assist with the selection, ordering, processing, and removal of library materials in accordance with district procedures and established collection guidelines.
- Maintain appropriate displays, bulletin boards, and other promotional materials.
- Operate and maintain basic library equipment, including a laminating machine, copier, printer, and other office or library equipment.
- Provide basic assistance to staff with laminating, copying, printing, and preparation of instructional materials as needed.
Student Support
- Provide courteous, welcoming, and responsive service to students.
- Assist students in locating books, research materials, and other appropriate resources.
- Help students navigate print and digital information resources.
- Encourage reading and help students identify books and other materials appropriate to their interests and reading needs.
- Support students in developing responsible and effective information-searching habits.
- Maintain an environment conducive to reading, studying, research, and academic work.
- Monitor student behavior and enforce established library expectations and school policies.
- Provide supervision of students, classes, study groups, or other student activities in the library or elsewhere in the building as assigned by administration.
- Provide temporary supervision or classroom coverage as needed and directed by administration.
- Provide appropriate assistance to students while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Staff Support
- Assist teachers in locating instructional materials, books, digital resources, and other library resources.
- Collaborate with teachers to support classroom instruction and student research needs.
- Prepare or pull materials for teachers as requested.
- Assist with projects, displays, book collections, and other activities that support the instructional program.
- Communicate library procedures, resources, and opportunities to staff.
Technology and Digital Resources
- Utilize the district's library management system and other digital tools necessary to operate the library.
- Assist students and staff with accessing appropriate digital resources and databases.
- Support students in locating, evaluating, and appropriately using online information.
- Utilize district-approved technology platforms and applications.
- Maintain basic knowledge of Google Workspace and other digital tools used by the school.
- Assist with basic troubleshooting of library technology and report technical issues when additional support is needed.
Communication and Collaboration
- Maintain positive and professional relationships with students, staff, families, and community members.
- Provide excellent customer service to library users.
- Communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Work collaboratively with school administration, teachers, support staff, and other district personnel.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and school matters.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with library-related events, programs, reading initiatives, book fairs, and other school activities as assigned.
- Assist with maintaining an appropriate and current library collection.
- Participate in professional development opportunities relevant to the position.
- Follow all district policies, school procedures, safety requirements, and applicable laws.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to work effectively with adolescents.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a busy school environment.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications and willingness to learn new technology.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a school team.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree, college coursework, or other education beyond high school.
- Previous experience working in a school, library, office, or customer‑service environment.
- Experience with a library management or circulation system.
- Familiarity with Google Workspace, Canva, or similar digital tools.
- Experience assisting students with research, technology, or reading.
- Knowledge of young adult literature and current reading trends.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during busy or challenging situations.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Comfort working with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
- Ability to learn and effectively use new technology and digital systems.
- Initiative and the ability to identify and address routine library needs independently.
- Commitment to maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and academically focused environment.
Physical Requirements
The employee may be required to:
- Sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the library and school building for extended periods.
- Lift, carry, and move books, boxes, equipment, and other materials up to 35 lbs.
- Bend, stoop, reach, and shelve materials.
- Occasionally move or rearrange furniture and library materials.
- Perform other physical activities reasonably associated with the operation of a school library.
Work Environment
The position operates primarily in a school library environment and requires regular interaction with students, staff, families, and visitors. The employee must be able to work effectively in an environment that may periodically be busy, noisy, or require multiple tasks to be addressed simultaneously.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Duties and responsibilities may be modified by the administration to meet the needs of Peru Community Schools.