School Librarian (Maternity Cover)
School Librarian (Maternity Cover)

School Librarian (Maternity Cover)

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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George Watson'S College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Coordinate library operations and deliver engaging lessons for students of all ages.
  • Company: St George's School, a pioneering independent school for girls in Edinburgh.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, reduced school fees, professional development, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Opportunity to contribute to co-curricular activities and be part of a supportive team.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant community and inspire a love for reading in young minds.
  • Qualifications: Experience in library services and a passion for fostering literacy.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

The following content displays a map of the jobs location – Edinburgh

Competitive remuneration and benefits package including:

  • Reduced school fees and wraparound care at St George’s School
  • Pension Contribution
  • Staff lunches
  • Access to school buses on school bus routes for all staff (small charge payable)
  • Professional learning and development opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Opportunity to benefit from the use of the many school facilities; libraries; sports facilities etc
  • Death in service benefits all staff
  • Opportunity to join our community and contribute to social, music, drama and other events and activities.

The Role

SCHOOL LIBRARIAN (Maternity Cover)

  • Maternity Cover – from November 2025 until 26th June 2026 initially. Possibility of extending beyond summer.
  • Full Time – 40 hours per week. Monday to Thursday: 9.30am – 5.30pm. Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm.
  • Term Time Only plus In-Service Days.
  • Closing Date – 29th October 2025
  • Interviews – W/C 3rd November 2025

Job Purpose: To co-ordinate the day-to-day operations of the library service for St George’s in Junior and Senior schools, with support from the other members of the library team.

Accountable To: Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Main Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities below are illustrative. The position holder will be expected to become involved in a range of work on occasions that may not be shown below.

The Librarian will have day to day responsibility for library services to pupils in Primary 1 to Upper 6, beginning in the first instance in the Primary school and shadowing the Senior librarian, with a view to also taking responsibility for the Senior school thereafter.

  • Develop and deliver weekly library lessons in line with the library timetable.
  • Deliver weekly story and rhyme time sessions for preschool and ante-preschool pupils and toddler group.
  • Promote and foster the enjoyment of reading for pleasure through day-to-day interactions with staff and students.
  • Contribute to the school’s programme of co-curricular activities.
  • Attend staff meetings and briefings as hours allow (Wednesday 3:30pm and Thursday 8:30am) or read minutes.
  • Manage the enquiry desk and circulation of resources, in both libraries.
  • Ensure that the library plays an integral role in supporting inquiry, and that students have easy access to print and eResources.
  • Coordinate school-wide guidance and training for all staff and students in effective use of resources.
  • Maintain tidy and user-ready library spaces that are welcoming, inclusive and a positive learning facility.
  • Manage the Library Management System effectively.
  • Ensure the collection is managed and developed in consultation with staff and students, so that resources are current, relevant to the curriculum, and meet the reading needs and interests of the school community. Ensure the collection provides a wide range of quality reading material, catering for diverse needs and interests.
  • Ensure that resources are catalogued, organised and maintained in line with internationally accepted standard library practice.
  • Oversee supervised study 4-5:30pm Monday- Thursday in main library.

About the school/organisation

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early upon receipt of sufficient suitable applications.

As Edinburgh’s only all-through independent school for girls aged 3-18, St George\’s is a place of possibilities: where everyone is clearly heard, pupils feel empowered to be themselves, and innovation is constantly encouraged.

The courage of our founding mothers, who pioneered women’s education in Victorian Scotland, still echoes defiantly through our corridors. That’s why amplifying the voice of every girl remains part of our DNA today as a loyal school community with a unique spirit of pride.

Over 90% of our girls achieve their first-choice post-school destination: leaving us as robust, empathetic change-makers, ready to take on the world…

#J-18808-Ljbffr

School Librarian (Maternity Cover) employer: George Watson'S College

St George's School in Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With competitive remuneration, generous annual leave, and access to extensive school facilities, staff are encouraged to engage in a vibrant community that fosters personal and professional growth while contributing to enriching educational experiences for students.
George Watson'S College

Contact Detail:

George Watson'S College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land School Librarian (Maternity Cover)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at St George’s School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and maybe even a heads-up about the interview process.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your library management skills. Think about how you can promote reading and support students' learning. We want to see your passion for fostering a love of books!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your creativity! Bring ideas for engaging library lessons or co-curricular activities to the interview. We love seeing candidates who can think outside the box and make the library a vibrant space.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for enthusiastic candidates who are ready to join our community.

We think you need these skills to ace School Librarian (Maternity Cover)

Library Management
Teaching Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Customer Service
Resource Management
Curriculum Development
Promoting Reading
Inclusivity Awareness
Event Coordination
Technical Proficiency in Library Systems
Collaboration with Staff
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of School Librarian. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant community at St George’s!

Show Your Passion for Reading: In your written application, let us know about your love for books and how you promote reading among students. Share any creative ideas you have for engaging young readers – we’re all about fostering a love for literature!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications without any confusion.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St George’s.

How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College

✨Know Your Library Stuff

Make sure you brush up on library management systems and current trends in children's literature. Being able to discuss how you would promote reading for pleasure or manage resources will show that you're not just a bookworm, but also a proactive librarian.

✨Engage with the School's Values

Familiarise yourself with St George’s ethos and values. Be ready to share how you can contribute to their community spirit and support the school's mission of empowering girls. This will demonstrate your alignment with their culture and your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Think about how you would handle specific situations, like managing the enquiry desk or delivering a storytime session. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your approach clearly during the interview, showing that you're ready to jump right in.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the library's current initiatives or how they integrate library services into the curriculum. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.

School Librarian (Maternity Cover)
George Watson'S College
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