Job Description
Sidwell Friends School, an independent co-educational Quaker day school with campuses in Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD, seeks an Upper School Library Assistant. The Assistant is responsible for supporting the Upper School Head Librarian with all operations of the Upper School Library, including helping students and faculty find information; maintaining the library catalog; processing all book acquisitions; maintaining circulation records; sending out overdue notices; and conducting inventory.
Other duties include assisting students with research, including use of catalog, online resources, and word processing; learning the contents of the collection to be able to effectively assist students with reading selections that best match their interests; working the circulation desk; managing periodicals, DVDs and other materials; and monitoring student behavior.
The Library Assistant will also be responsible for training and supervising Work Program students, training and supervising parent volunteers, as well as maintain library operations in the absence of the Head Librarian.
Essential Functions
- Assist students with research, including use of catalog, online resources, and word processing.
- Develop familiarity with the collection and resources of the library in order to best assist patrons and work with the librarian on collection development projects.
- Prepare class pathfinders for specific research assignments.
- Provide technical assistance for all library computers, photocopiers, printers, laminator, etc.
- Staff the circulation desk to lend and collect books, periodicals, DVDs and other materials.
- Monitor student behavior in library and address disorderly behavior as necessary. Generally maintain the library as an orderly environment for quiet study. Relate to students in a positive manner.
- Train and supervise Work Program students (maintain weekly schedule of tasks to be done, monitor student work, and assign disciplinary points as necessary for missed appointments).
- Classify and catalog new materials (books, CDs, DVDs, and audiovisual equipment) based on their content and purpose, using MARC standards and incorporating customized keywords to match the curriculum needs of the Upper School. Perform original cataloging for books not available through the OPAC’s database.
- Process and maintain records for interlibrary loan books.
- Prepare book displays, author studies, signage, bulletin boards, etc.
- Assist with beginning of year set-up activities and year-end closing procedures.
- Prepare for and assist with annual inventory of library materials.
- Maintain library operations and patron assistance in the absence of the librarian.
- Answer telephone and take messages as needed.
- Open and/or close library as needed.
- Clean up library and tidy library shelves. Shelve books as necessary.
- Assist in preparations for National Library Week, including using Photoshop to create bookmarks and other promotional materials.
- Other tasks as they are assigned.
Position Qualifications
- Communication: Ability to engage students and teachers in friendly dialog to ascertain their information needs and to present the library as a warm and friendly place. Effectively communicate behavioral expectations to students.
- Problem Solving/Research Skills: Possess well honed problem solving skills in order to help students and teachers find the information they need.
- Accuracy: Be detail oriented and dedicated to the minute details of cataloging and record keeping for circulation of materials.
- Organization: Demonstrate and use highly developed organizational skills to maintain the library in good working order.
- Reliability: Arrive at work on time and maintain an excellent attendance record.
- Work under pressure: Be able to work under pressure and adapt to the fluctuating demands of the library at any moment in the day.
Skills and Abilities Education: Bachelors Degree required. Course work in education, library science, child development and/or literature preferred.Experience: Library experience preferred. Work experience in a school setting preferred.Computer Skills: Excellent computer skills required especiallly in Word and Excel. Certificates and Licenses: none required
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift and move stacks of books weighing at least 10 pounds
- Ability to squat or kneel to shelve or retrieve books on low shelves
- Ability to stand on a stool to retrieve books on higher shelves
- Ability to push heavy book carts across the library
A Bachelors degree in an appropriate field is required. Course work in education, library science, child development and /or children’s literature preferred. Work experience in a school-setting is also preferred as are excellent computer skills, especially Word and Excel. This 10 month, full-time position begins August 2016. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three references via our on-line application.
Sidwell Friends School
Human Resources Department
3825 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20016
Sidwell Friends School is committed as an institution to the ideal of diversity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, economics, gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, physical ability and veteran status in its student body, faculty, and staff.
Additional Info & Requirements
http://sidwell.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=370668&&#job
A Bachelors degree in an appropriate field is required. Course work in education, library science, child development and /or children’s literature preferred. Work experience in a school-setting is also preferred as are excellent computer skills, especially Word and Excel.
HR Info
hr@sidwell.edu
http://sidwell.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=370668&&#job