Library Assistant

Location: Secondary School in the Southwark Borough

Contract Type: Full time – Long term until July 2026

£14 - £17 an hour

Reports To: Head Librarian or School Administrator

Key Responsibilities:

• Library Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school library, ensuring a welcoming and conducive learning environment. Organize and maintain the library collection, including cataloguing, shelving, and periodic inventory checks.
• Behaviour Management: Implement and reinforce the school's behaviour management policies within the library setting. Monitor student behaviour in the library, addressing any disruptive conduct promptly and following established protocols.
• Student Engagement: Promote a culture of reading and learning by engaging with students and encouraging library use. Assist students in locating and selecting appropriate reading materials based on their interests and academic needs.
• Library Programs: Collaborate with teaching staff to develop and implement library programs that support the school's curriculum. Organize and oversee reading initiatives, book clubs, and other literacy-focused activities.
• Technology Integration: Utilize library technology systems for cataloguing, tracking book loans, and managing library resources. Assist students in navigating digital resources and online databases.
• Reference Assistance: Provide reference and research assistance to students and staff, guiding them in the use of library resources for academic projects.
• Library Promotion: Develop and implement strategies to promote library resources and services to the school community. Create visually appealing displays to showcase new arrivals, themed collections, or relevant educational materials.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with teaching staff to integrate library resources into lesson plans and support curriculum objectives. Communicate regularly with teachers to understand specific classroom needs and align library offerings accordingly.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about current trends and best practices in school librarianship. Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities to enhance library management and behavioural support skills.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
• Previous experience in a library or educational setting is desirable.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Firm but fair approach to behaviour management.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively with school staff.

If you, or anybody else is interested in this role please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references.

We pride ourselves on excellent service and can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.