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.
Job description
Many librarians manage a learning resource centre that incorporates print, online and e-learning resources.
Listed below is a range of tasks typically undertaken:
- The management of the school library, including the budget, staffing and resources.
- Liaise with all departments in the school to ensure appropriate access to learning resources.
- Help pupils and staff with resources to assist learning.
- Contributes to the learning targets of the school, in line with educational initiatives.
- To develop the library’s contribution to literacy programmes and to support reader development within the school.
- To develop a working knowledge of educational initiatives, developments in information and communications technologies and development in school librarianship.
Pay and conditions
CILIP publishes a regular survey of members’ salaries in Schools.
Further Information
CILIP members can join a special interest group, the School Libraries Group (SLG). There is also a separate School Libraries Association http://www.sla.org.uk/
CILIP members can access a full job description in the members part of the website.
Updated: 17 April 2008