Assistant Librarian MAIN FUNCTIONS:

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1 REPORT TO: The Librarian Assistant Librarian JOB PURPOSE: To support the Librarian in operating a major learning environment used by the whole school community. New technologies should be incorporated in such a way that they make accessing, locating and using information as simple as possible with access to resources and instructions for their use available on various media so as to ensure the effective delivery of a high quality library and information service which serves the broader educational needs and objectives of Norwich School. Three key elements are at the core of Norwich School Library s purpose, and form the focus of its endeavours, and the Assistant Librarian will contribute to buttressing these three elements, namely: (a) (b) (c) assisting the librarian in providing library facilities for departments which promote and support whole-class research assisting the librarian in the delivery of information literacy classes from Form 2 L6 (year 5 to year 12) to ensure that the key skills are taught in a spiralling progression so that they are reinforced and extended as pupils progress through the school. In time the incumbent will take on the responsibility of teaching Information Literacy for Form 2 - U4 (Years 5-8) assisting the librarian in delivering book sessions to classes and to individual pupils to ensure that pupils reading is challenged and that reading repertoires are expanded. In time the incumbent will have the responsibility for delivery book sessions to Form 1 - U4,(Years 4-8). MAIN FUNCTIONS: GENERAL 1. Deputise for the librarian when required 2. Effectively manage the library assistant, as well as any other assistants who might work in the library on a daily or ad hoc basis 3. Support the educational aims and objectives of the library in particular and of the school in general, and help monitor the effectiveness of the library s contribution to teaching and learning 4. Mediate between library-users and resources to enable users to identify, locate and access the information they need 5. Incorporate the use of new technologies to enable the library to provide a user-friendly interface for pupils and teachers alike 6. Support the teaching of transferable information, learning and knowledge-access skills which are the core skills of independent lifelong learning by: Assisting with the delivery of Information Skills sessions aimed at developing pupils as independent learners Preparing and delivering Talking about Book Sessions to junior classes so as to engage pupils with books and authors, develop their reading and extend their reading repertoires Working with teachers and their classes on research projects to ensure that pupils have access to the correct resources, are following good research practice and thus acquiring the skills to become independent learners 7. Assist in the management and promotion of a wide range of resources in a variety of formats, traditional and electronic

2 8. Develop and maintain the library management system in conjunction with the librarian, Norwich School IT Support, and the service providers 9. Promote the development of reading and literacy skills both for information and recreation, by taking a lead in creating a whole-school environment which encourages reading-for-pleasure 10. Be sensitive to differences in pupils reading abilities, and to provide resources appropriate to these abilities. Reading abilities should be supported for both gifted and talented pupils, reluctant readers and/or those with special educational needs. 11. Support the librarian in existing programmes that extend the depth and breadth of the curriculum including the following: Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Shadowing Programmes Poetry workshops and storytelling Visiting fiction and non-fiction author programme Norfolk Children s Book Festival Creative Writing Workshops Medieval Festival for L4 History 12. Apply his/her knowledge and experience of (a) Web 2.0 technologies, (b) internet searching, (c) current trends in information literacy, (d) research findings and recommendations on issues surrounding literacy and the impact of reading on academic attainment, in order to support pupils in their reading as well as in their location, usage and presentation of information 13. Be available to pupils during breaks to recommend fiction, assist with queries and support any research needs 14. Manage a study environment for both curriculum-based and independent learning. This involves the management and integration both of physical areas and virtual learning environments to create positive learning spaces 15. Maintain the established ethos in the library through appropriate behaviour management 16. Ensure compliance with School and Library Rules 17. Enable teaching staff to maintain a high level of awareness of professional development and relevant resources through the provision of appropriate professional materials and information as recommended by Principal Deputy Head 18. Participate in school-wide improvement through attending relevant meetings with staff and inset sessions 19. Maintain awareness of current developments in the educational and information sectors, and keep up-to-date with new publications 20. Promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils/young persons by adhering to, and ensuring compliance with, the School s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times, and to report any concerns regarding actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school to the Librarian and/or the School s Child Protection Officer 21. Perform any other assigned duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post COLLECTIONS 1. Input into the selection of appropriate media. Work with the Librarian to select books, websites and other on-line resources to develop media collections, and ensure that pupils have in addition to books, access to high quality, authoritative, on-line material for homework and research 2. Enthuse pupils and guide them in the selection of suitable reading material for extended reading as part of their English lessons or reading-for-pleasure. The Assistant Librarian should therefore have a sound knowledge and appreciation of, and familiarity with, children s /

3 young adult literature, keep up-to-date with new publications in children s / young adult literature, and read as widely as possible 3. Provide support for, and take an active part in the cataloguing of, new additions to the library collection, and processing new material so that it is ready for shelving 4. Supervise the library assistant in respect of shelving stock, keeping all the libraries in good order, maintaining periodicals, withdrawing stock under supervision, maintaining the physical condition of book stock i.e. jackets/spine labels and maintaining and refreshing displays DESK 1. Operate the computerised management system 2. Operate computerised loans and returns. 3. Conduct searches for suitable media for staff and pupils via the library OPAC, internet or other library catalogues and/or assist pupils and staff to conduct their own searches. 4. Assist with photocopier/printers/opac/scanners 5. Maintain reservation request service 6. Help pupils and staff to find material that meets their needs and in particular to become proficient in using on-line resources 7. Supervise the running of the overdue system and ensure that overdue notices for late media are issued to tutors from time to time 8. Assist the librarian with designated administrative tasks 9. Supervise computer usage in the library to ensure that usage is appropriate and that pupils are able to locate and use resources effectively 10. Supervise off-games periods in the library by liaising with the school nurse and the games department to ensure that pupils who attend these sessions have permission to do so, and that they behave in an appropriate manner SECURITY/SAFETY 1. Keep a close watch on security of the stock and other library material/equipment 2. Be constantly mindful of safety and security issues such as closing windows and locking doors, switching off appliances where applicable, checking for visitor badges, etc. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Be willing to undertake training and attend appropriate courses provided both in school and externally. In discussion with the librarian select appropriate training courses for the library assistant. Participate in the Performance Appraisal and Development Review process. ETRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT: Norwich School places a high emphasis on the need for staff to be integrated into the broader life of the school and to become involved in activities outside of their academic responsibilities, and so a willingness on the part of the post holder to participate in sports-supervision/coaching, would be an advantage. OTHER Undertakes other similar duties and activities that fall within the band and role; and any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Line Manager, the Bursar or the Head Master.

4 Assistant Librarian Person Specifications Essential Desirable Education and Qualifications Qualification in librarianship, information management or information science Graduate with specialisations in any subject/s taught at Norwich School Chartered Member, or considering working towards Chartership of CILIP Experience Previous library, and preferably school library, experience (recently qualified not excluded) Above average ICT skills (including familiarity with and ease of use of new technologies for information search, use, note-taking and presentation) Working in a customer-focussed role Research activities Basic skills and competencies Able to work alone and as part of a team Well organized, self-motivated and able to work without direct supervision Cataloguing Communication and networking skills Experience of using automated databases Able to re-shelve books and re-organise books between shelves (making use of a step-up or ladder as required). Able to carry reasonable quantities of books and other materials up and down stairs between the three Senior School libraries, and also between the Senior School Libraries and the Lower School library Knowledge and understanding of, and competence in Microsoft and or Mac Applications Being up-to-date on information sources and resources across all media The ability to manage and disseminate information in a range of different media Have an understanding of education issues and be familiar with the National Curriculum Able to achieve high levels of client care Able to communicate with, and serve the needs of, the whole school community Proven behaviour management skills Able to promote a welcoming and helpful image of the library Able to prioritise admin. duties and clients demands Ability to deal confidently with enquiries Proven ability to develop a culture of mutual respect with pupils Able to promote independent learning via helping to develop Information Literacy of pupils Previous involvement with reader development initiatives (recently qualified not excluded) Learning-support skills Commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children/young people

5 Personal Qualities Essential Desirable Initiative, common sense, tact, patience Proven affinity / involvement with young people Confidence Good humoured / friendly but firm Energetic, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile Demonstrate a genuine interest in children s literature Have an interest in research Be interested in own professional development Flexibility (in tasks to be performed, hours of work, etc.) Interest in a sport - possibly to assist with one games session per week should this be required Smart and presentable appearance