The school librarian may work in a primary or secondary school, in the state or private sector. The librarian’s main role is to contribute to the mission and goals of the school including the evaluation procedures and to develop and implement those of the school library. As well as supporting pupils, the school librarian supports teaching staff. The majority of librarians will report to the Head or Deputy Head teacher.
Many school librarians manage a library or learning resource centre that incorporates print, online and e-learning resources.
Listed below is a range of tasks typically undertaken:
- Managing the school library, including the budget, staffing and resources
- Liaising with all departments in the school to ensure appropriate access to learning resources
- Helping pupils and staff with resources to assist learning
- Contributing to the learning targets of the school, in line with educational initiatives
- Developing the library’s contribution to literacy programmes and to support reader development within the school
- Developing a working knowledge of educational initiatives, developments in information and communications technologies and development in school librarianship
Salary
Recommended salaries can be found in the Schools salary guide.
Further Information
CILIP members can join a number of special interest groups:
School Libraries Group (SLG)
Youth Libraries Group (YLG)
School librarian job description
School library assistant job description
Karen Hans school librarian's career profile