Library Assistant

As the Bishop O’Dowd High School Library Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the efficient operation of the school library. Your responsibilities will encompass various tasks related to book processing, record keeping, maintaining a library environment conducive to learning, creating engaging library displays, assisting students with research inquiries, managing printing facilities, overseeing make-up tests, and ensuring a positive atmosphere for both students and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Open the library at 7am and set up for the day: update calendar and schedule; open windows, put out make-up test folders, straighten library.

• Book Processing: Efficiently process incoming books, including cataloging, covering, labeling, security and shelving.
• Environment Maintenance: Throughout the day, maintain a clean, organized, quiet environment for studying, learning and reading.
• Inventory Management: Conduct periodic inventories to track library materials and identify any missing or damaged items.
• Book Repair: Identify and repair damaged books as needed to extend their lifespan and maintain the library collection.
• Circulation Database: Update and manage Follett Destiny, the circulation database, to reflect user population and ensure accurate records of borrowed and returned items; send out book notices.
• Library Displays and Digital Signs: Curate visually appealing library displays that highlight various themes, genres, or events to engage students, promote reading and support school activities. Create schoolwide digital signs to promote new library books and activities.
• Research Assistance: Provide support to students and staff with research needs, including locating materials, answering citation questions, and making book recommendations.
• Printing Management: Manage student printers, ensuring printers are supplied with toner and paper, troubleshooting technical issues, and overseeing students waiting to print.
• Supply Management: Monitor and order library supplies as needed.
• Make-Up Tests: Keep accurate records of all make-up tests; oversee testing protocols and academic integrity; note any violations of testing protocols and inform the appropriate teacher and academic dean.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records related to library usage (databases, book circulation, borrowed supplies such as calculators, textbooks, chargers), inventory, and other administrative tasks.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of school activities, events and services to answer student and staff questions about support programs, clubs, services, schedules.

• Pastoral Care: Interact with students and staff in a positive, friendly, and helpful manner, fostering a welcoming atmosphere within the library. Build relationships with library users, getting to know their interests and informational needs to better serve them.

Library Assistant Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in library science or related field is a plus.

• Previous experience in a library or educational setting is preferred.
• Proficiency in databases, Canva, Google Docs and Sheets.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Positive attitude and a passion for promoting literacy and learning.

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  Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while assisting students and staff, shelving books, and maintaining library order.
• Must be able to lift and carry books, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Occasionally required to transport book carts weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling to shelve or retrieve books from lower shelves. Ability to reach overhead and extend arms to place or remove books from higher shelves.
• Required to safely use a step stool or small ladder to access materials on upper shelves.Must have sufficient balance and coordination to maintain safety when retrieving or returning items.
• Pushing and pulling book carts and shelving units, often requiring moderate force.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, scanning barcodes, sorting books, and handling materials.
• Clear vision (with or without corrective lenses) to read book titles, call numbers, and computer screens.
• Hearing ability to assist students and staff, answer phones, and respond to inquiries.