Librarian (Secondary School)

Role Overview

The secondary school librarian will play a key part in strengthening the school’s development and accreditation efforts while supporting the institution’s mission. This role focuses on building a learning space that encourages active participation, resource-based teaching, and close collaboration with teachers to help the school achieve its wider goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to school improvement and accreditation work in line with the school’s mission and priorities.
• Help create a library environment that supports active learning, resource-led instruction, and teamwork with teaching staff.
• Support the creation and review of policies covering material selection, circulation, reconsideration of resources, copyright, privacy, and acceptable use.
• Promote the use of educational technology and ensure learners and staff have access to digital information resources throughout the day.
• Maintain active involvement in professional library associations and manage subscriptions for online learning resources.
• Stay up to date with professional standards, information technology developments, and educational research relevant to school library services.
• Maintain historical records and documents connected to the library’s history and operations.
• Safeguard library books, information materials, and other resources.
• Provide access to books and materials for students and visitors using the library for research, under supervision where needed.

Reading and Information Literacy

• Ensure the library actively supports inquiry-based learning and gives students convenient access to eResources.
• Work with teachers to deliver the information curriculum through the accelerated reader programme.
• Lead reading sessions for all Key Stage 3 classes and help lower-attaining readers improve their progress.
• Run KS3 library lessons and supervise classes independently when necessary, maintaining discipline, participation, and compliance with school rules.
• Oversee the accelerated reading programme, including assessment of student reading levels.
• Share regular updates on reading progress with class teachers.
• Organise school-wide guidance and training for staff and students on using library resources, the online catalogue, and databases effectively.
• Build a balanced collection of resources in multiple formats to support inquiry learning.
• Support students across key stages with study skills and independent learning.

Library Operations and Management

• Keep resources catalogued, arranged, and maintained according to recognised library standards.
• Remain aware of trends and storage/access solutions for eResources.
• Develop purchasing plans and strategies to ensure the library offers suitable, high-quality print and digital materials.
• Manage the Integrated Library System by updating and editing bibliographic and catalogue records.
• Promote library services and resources to staff and students.
• Keep library procedure documents current.
• Work with teachers to build a strategic reading culture among students.
• Support school-wide reading programmes, activities, initiatives, and events.
• Guide teachers in improving reading engagement and developing lifelong readers.
• Provide varied reading materials that meet different interests and learning needs.
• Carry out circulation duties such as issuing books, processing returns, handling reservations, and recording overdue items, lost books, and fines.
• Monitor student use of the library and equipment according to library policy.
• Ensure student and staff safety in the library at all times.
• Assist with display boards, bulletin preparation, and scheduled library events.
• Prepare budget estimates for the school library and manage spending through selection, acquisition, maintenance, and withdrawal of stock, while balancing subject coverage, ability levels, diversity, and equality considerations.
• Provide leadership in selecting, acquiring, evaluating, and organising information resources and technologies in all formats, and support the ethical use of information.
• Support fair and equitable access to information resources and responsible use of them.
• Develop and maintain resources aligned to the curriculum, learner needs, and teaching approaches used in the school community.
• Build links with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to widen access to resources beyond the school.
• Evaluate and use current and emerging technologies to improve teaching, learning, communication, and around-the-clock access to library services.
• Understand copyright, fair use, and licensing rules, and help users apply them correctly.
• Organise the collection so it can be used efficiently and effectively.

Health and Safety

• Promote safe behaviour across the curriculum and reinforce respect for personal safety, the safety of others, and school property and equipment.
• Complete playground duties punctually and carefully to help keep students safe.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Support the implementation of policies and rules relating to student conduct and daily school life.
• Ensure health and safety procedures are followed consistently.
• Maintain awareness of the health and safety measures required while on campus.

School Values and Safeguarding

The role is expected to reflect the school’s values of putting children first, prioritising wellbeing and safety, showing respect and care for all, working effectively, using resources responsibly, and committing to continuous improvement.

Safeguarding and Compliance

The organisation is committed to safeguarding children and young people and expects every staff member and volunteer to support that commitment. Appointment is subject to suitable vetting, including an online due diligence check, references, and satisfactory criminal background checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years of employment history.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The organisation promotes an inclusive culture and seeks to attract, develop, and retain high-performing colleagues regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, neurodivergence, socio-economic background, or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share these values are encouraged to apply.