Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a School Librarian at Preston International School, Akure. The School Librarian will be responsible for the effective management, organisation and development of the school library as a welcoming, well-resourced and engaging centre for reading, learning, research and independent study.

The role will involve selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, organising and maintaining books, digital resources and other learning materials appropriate for students in a standard secondary school environment. The School Librarian will promote a strong culture of reading and lifelong learning, while supporting students and staff in locating, evaluating and using information effectively.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal, Vice-Principal (Academics), teachers and other relevant members of staff to ensure that library resources support the school's curriculum and contribute meaningfully to students' academic, personal, moral and spiritual development.

As a Christian school, Preston International School expects the School Librarian to uphold and promote the school's Christian values and ethos, ensuring that the library provides a safe, respectful and appropriate environment for students and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the daily operation of the school library.
• Organise, classify, catalogue and maintain books, journals, reference materials, educational resources and other library materials.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate and balanced collection of fiction, non-fiction, reference, educational and age-appropriate reading materials for secondary school students.
• Select and recommend new books and learning resources in consultation with school leadership and teaching staff.
• Maintain accurate records of all library resources, including acquisitions, loans, returns, lost or damaged books and stock levels.
• Operate and maintain the school's library management and record-keeping systems.
• Develop and implement efficient procedures for borrowing, returning and renewing library materials.
• Ensure that the library is orderly, attractive, safe and conducive to reading, research, study and independent learning.
• Promote a strong reading culture throughout the school through reading programmes, book clubs, reading challenges, author studies, book reviews and other appropriate activities.
• Encourage students to develop positive reading habits and a lifelong love for books and learning.
• Assist students in locating appropriate books, reference materials and other resources for academic and personal development.
• Guide students in developing effective research, information literacy and study skills.
• Support students in learning how to identify reliable sources of information and use information responsibly and ethically.
• Work closely with teachers to identify library resources that support classroom teaching, curriculum requirements and students' learning needs.
• Prepare displays, exhibitions and themed collections to promote reading, learning, important events and educational activities.
• Coordinate library activities in support of literacy programmes, English language development and other academic initiatives.
• Promote appropriate digital literacy and responsible use of online and electronic learning resources.
• Ensure that books and other materials available to students are suitable for their age, educational needs and the Christian values and standards of Preston International School.
• Monitor the condition of books and resources and arrange for repairs, replacement or withdrawal of damaged and outdated materials where necessary.
• Conduct periodic stocktaking and inventory checks of all library resources.
• Prepare and manage library resource requests and provide recommendations for the annual acquisition of books and learning materials.
• Supervise students using the library and ensure that appropriate standards of behaviour, discipline and respect for school property are maintained.
• Maintain a quiet, welcoming, inclusive and respectful atmosphere within the library.
• Provide guidance and support to library assistants or student library prefects, where applicable.
• Keep up to date with developments in children's and young adult literature, library management, educational resources and information technology.
• Support school events, literacy initiatives, competitions and other activities that promote learning and intellectual development.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with students, staff and school information.
• Report lost, damaged or inappropriate materials, equipment faults and other operational concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Comply with all school policies relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, discipline, confidentiality, information technology and professional conduct.
• Carry out other reasonable duties assigned by the Principal or other authorised school leaders in support of the effective operation of the school.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma in Library and Information Science, Library Studies, Information Management, Education or a related field.
• Professional qualification or certification in Library and Information Science will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience working as a librarian, assistant librarian or in a school, educational or academic library environment is desirable.
• Good knowledge of library classification, cataloguing, shelving and stock management systems.
• Demonstrable knowledge of children's and young adult literature and age-appropriate educational resources.
• Good understanding of the information and reading needs of secondary school students.
• Ability to use library management systems, computers, digital catalogues and other relevant technology.
• Good research and information literacy skills.
• Ability to guide students in locating, evaluating and using information effectively and responsibly.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, teachers, parents and other members of staff.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain an orderly and efficient working environment.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities within a school environment.
• Previous experience promoting reading or coordinating literacy activities will be an added advantage.

 

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be:

• Passionate about books, reading, learning and the intellectual development of young people.
• Committed to promoting a strong and enjoyable reading culture among students.
• Well organised, methodical and attentive to detail.
• Friendly, approachable, patient and supportive when working with students.
• Able to create a welcoming and inspiring environment for reading, research and independent learning.
• Responsible, reliable and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Digitally competent and willing to embrace modern library and educational technologies.
• Able to maintain accurate records and manage school resources responsibly.
• A good communicator with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Professional, discreet and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Firm but fair in maintaining appropriate standards of behaviour and library use.
• Creative and proactive in developing activities that encourage students to read and learn.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Respectful of the Christian ethos of Preston International School and committed to upholding its values, standards and expectations.