School Librarian & Information Specialist

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a School Librarian & Information Specialist in Soweto, Gauteng. The role centers on fostering a love of reading, managing the library's resources, and promoting information literacy for students and staff.

The successful candidate will oversee cataloging, digital resources, and instructional support, aligning library services with the curriculum. This is an on-site, full-time position within a vibrant school community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Library Science is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working as a school librarian or in a similar library role.
• Strong knowledge of library management systems (LMS) and cataloging standards (e.g., Dewey Decimal System).
• Proficiency in research methodologies and information literacy instruction.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for literature and a commitment to promoting reading and learning.
• Experience with digital resources and educational technology tools.
• Ability to engage effectively with students of various age groups and academic levels.
• Understanding of curriculum requirements and the ability to support academic endeavors.
• Must be available for full-time, on-site work in Soweto, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Manage the school library's collection, including acquisition, cataloging, organization, and maintenance of books and digital resources.
• Develop and implement library policies and procedures.
• Promote reading and literacy initiatives through book clubs, reading challenges, and author events.
• Assist students and staff in locating and utilizing library resources, databases, and research tools.
• Teach information literacy skills, including research strategies, source evaluation, and citation.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources into classroom instruction and curriculum development.
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and stimulating library environment.
• Manage library circulation, overdue notices, and fines.
• Stay current with trends in library science, educational technology, and children's/young adult literature.
• Oversee the library's budget and manage expenditures effectively.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a vibrant and forward-thinking school in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking an enthusiastic and organized School Librarian & Information Specialist. This role is central to fostering a love of reading and learning within the school community, managing the library's resources, and promoting information literacy skills among students and staff. The ideal candidate will be passionate about literature, adept at information management, and skilled in integrating library resources with the curriculum. This position requires on-site presence to manage the library effectively and engage directly with students and educators.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the school library's collection, including acquisition, cataloging, organization, and maintenance of books and digital resources.
• Develop and implement library policies and procedures.
• Promote reading and literacy initiatives through book clubs, reading challenges, and author events.
• Assist students and staff in locating and utilizing library resources, databases, and research tools.
• Teach information literacy skills, including research strategies, source evaluation, and citation.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources into classroom instruction and curriculum development.
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and stimulating library environment.
• Manage library circulation, overdue notices, and fines.
• Stay current with trends in library science, educational technology, and children's/young adult literature.
• Oversee the library's budget and manage expenditures effectively.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification in Library Science is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working as a school librarian or in a similar library role.
• Strong knowledge of library management systems (LMS) and cataloging standards (e.g., Dewey Decimal System).
• Proficiency in research methodologies and information literacy instruction.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for literature and a commitment to promoting reading and learning.
• Experience with digital resources and educational technology tools.
• Ability to engage effectively with students of various age groups and academic levels.
• Understanding of curriculum requirements and the ability to support academic endeavors.
• Must be available for full-time, on-site work in Soweto, Gauteng.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. This role provides the opportunity to significantly impact student learning and foster a vibrant reading culture within the school. Professional development opportunities will be available to enhance skills in library management and information literacy. You will work in a supportive school environment in the Soweto community.