Our School Librarian will be a visible member of the school community who works alongside teaching staff to provide an excellent service for our students. They will support staff and students with potential research development, being able to navigate their way through the library to assist individuals with finding material related to their areas of interest. The librarian will also be passionate in creating educational programmes across year groups to develop students’ understanding of the library systems and to inspire their love of reading.
The School Librarian should be:
Support in the education process.
Supporting individual student’s needs.
An acknowledged expert in resource and information provision.
A leader and supporting teaching staff in the collaborative design and implementation of information literacy programmes throughout the school.
A leader in creating and developing a climate to promote and support reading for pleasure across the school.
An acknowledged partner to effectively support and resource each key stage.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning and Development
Organise and manage the library, ensuring its effective use by classes, groups and individuals.
Create and implement a policy for the library which incorporates the educational aims and objectives of the school, and complies with data protection, copyright, health and safety legislation and the school’s disciplinary code.
Take responsibility for and manage the library budget, including the preparation of procurement and stock control.
Contribute to curriculum and policy development by liaising with all key stages and departments in addition to liaison with individual members of the teaching and learning support staff.
Select, acquire, organise and promote library resources to support teaching and learning throughout the school.
Ensure equality of access for all students and staff to high quality learning resources.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the service provided by the library and its impact on teaching and learning.
Supervise students using the library for independent study and maintain a welcoming, supportive atmosphere conducive to positive learning experiences.
Support for Staff and Students
Support and advise staff and students in the selection and use of information resources to support their curricular and leisure needs.
Plan and deliver a programme to support the development and teaching of information literacy and learning skills in partnership with teaching staff and reinforcing these skills where appropriate.
Promote reading and the enjoyment of reading in all its forms.
Promote and publicise the services provided by the library to the whole school community.
Exploit every opportunity for own professional development, sharing INSET opportunities with colleagues and other librarians, as well as maintaining a comprehensive awareness of current developments in information and library management, education and children’s literature.
Develop and maintain links with other libraries and relevant organisations (education advisers, universities and colleges, and museums).
Arrange the effective retrieval by systematic indexing, classification and cataloguing of all library resources and disseminating information on those resources to staff and students.
Plan and deliver programmes to students on reading and research.
Arrange student’s participation in children’s literary events and author visits.
Provide guidance and assistance to students and staff on information retrieval and reading materials.
Liaise with teaching staff about curriculum delivery and library stock and the ALNCo on students’ needs.
General Duties and Responsibilities
Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the school.
Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Value and respect the views and needs of children and young people.
Attend relevant meetings as required.
Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
Present a positive personal image, contributing to a welcoming school environment which supports equal opportunities for all.
Attend staff meetings to enable them to raise and discuss relevant issues, maintaining the high profile of the library across the school.
Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety, security and confidentiality, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
Have the status and authority to employ strategies for the effective management of the library in accordance with all school policies e.g. Health and Safety, Behaviour, Discipline etc.
Keep accurate records for area of responsibility.
Professional Development Expectations:
Have the same entitlement to INSET and Continuing Professional Development opportunities as teaching staff.
Be included in the school’s staff appraisal programme.
Be given time to network with other School Librarians in the area, attend relevant meetings and actively participate in professional groups outside their school.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Qualifications
Languages
Fluent in English and knowledge of Chinese helpful
Working Experience
Competencies
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Experience learning about new software
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Familiarity with library management software
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Expertise in online searching using the internet and a range of subscription services.
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Experience working with young people aged 5-18
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Sound knowledge of literature for young people
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Passion for promoting literacy
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Good organization and time management skills
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Flexibility and ability to take on new challenges
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Good understanding of the UK regulatory framework around safeguarding
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Good communication skills
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Good teamwork and collaborative skills
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Resilience and a good sense of humour
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Fairness, kindness and warmth
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Interest in wider issues relating to student wellbeing
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Understand how UK safeguarding principles operate in a Chinese context
Aptitudes
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Ability to understand, empathise with and enjoy the culture, ethos and values of SPGS International School Chengdu
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Flexibility to learn and adapt to new cultures and situations
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A willingness to explore innovative approaches from across the educational field
SPGS International School Chengdu is committed to ensuring and promoting the health and safety of children. Successful applicants will:
Participate in the school’s regular training on child protection, and sign the code of conduct
Immediately report to the designated or acting safeguarding lead for any potential risks for the children
Strictly abide by the school’s policies on information confidentiality and protection
Play the role of safeguarding members to promote and ensure the health and safety development of all students in the school
Report any students concerns to the designated or acting safeguarding lead
Report any unsafe behavior on campus to the designated or acting safety lead in accordance with the school’s “whistle blowing” policy
Maintain a professional relationship with students and respect and maintain personal boundaries
SPGS International School Chengdu is committed to safe recruitment and child protection, relevant qualifications and police clearance of applicants will be verified
Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities for the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified, especially in the context of a school which requires flexibility in all of its employees.
This job description is current at the date shown but, in consultation with the post holder, may be changed by the Principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.
