School Librarian

We are seeking to appoint an experienced School Librarian to elevate library services and resources, and enhance the education experience for pupils across all levels at The British School of Amsterdam, including Early Years, Junior and Senior Schools. Primary duties will revolve around curating and managing the school's library provision, facilitating access to a wide array of resources, orchestrating interactive library activities, and fostering the development of literacy and research skills among pupils. Our School Librarian will be committed to embedding and nurturing a passion for reading and learning, and work towards promoting essential life skills such as curiosity, teamwork and creativity.

The appointment will commence in mid-August 2024, with an earlier start date planned ahead of the school year commencing in September.

The British School of Amsterdam is an independent, co-educational, non-profit day school providing world-class learning for children, with over 1,100 pupils enrolled across Early Years School (ages 3-6 years), Junior School (6-11 years), and Senior School (11-18 years). Our school is committed to providing the best of British international education, and to the nurturing, inspiring, and empowering of students to achieve their full potential.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain organised & user-friendly library spaces that encourage independent exploration and learning, and operate in a safe and inclusive manner
• Curate and maintain the school library collection to provide a diverse range of resources that cater to the interests & reading levels of pupils
• Develop and implement literacy-focused programmes including reading & writing workshops
• Foster a love for reading and enhance pupils' literacy skills during both curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Organise and facilitate library events and activities, such as book clubs, author visits, reading challenges, and activities to promote reader engagement and enjoyment
• Collaborate with teaching staff to integrate library resources and activities into the curriculum to support teaching and learning across subject areas
• Provide guidance & support to pupils and staff in locating and selecting appropriate reading materials based on interests and academic needs
• Ensure the development of research & independent study skills through taught lessons, and individual and group support sessions (both curricular and extra-curricular)
• Research, develop, and maintain a library management system
• Develop and manage the library budget effectively to include acquisition, maintenance, and the provision of an up to date range of both hard & digital resources
• Develop, implement and communicate school library policies & procedures including borrowing guidelines, library etiquette, and data privacy measures
• Collaborate with relevant school departments to create a whole school information literacy plan, including integrating information literacy across the curriculum
• Develop relationships with external partners to enhance the library's offerings and resources
• Engage in professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices in school librarianship and educational technology
• Act as a positive role model for pupils by demonstrating enthusiasm for reading and learning
• Take an active part in the life of the school e.g. attend staff meetings, contribute to school-wide initiatives, parent & stakeholder events
• Collaborate with parents by hosting workshops aimed at equipping them with skills & strategies for reading with their children and inspiring a lifelong passion for reading
• Liaise with Heads of Department to ensure effective storage, management and distribution of subject specific text books
• Develop & curate a dedicated collection of books & resources tailored specifically for staff continuing professional development (CPD)
• Support the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for all pupils, with safeguarding procedures embedded throughout the library environment & activities
• Ensure the quality of library activities is maintained by setting clear goals & objectives, regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the library provision, developing evaluation criteria, and implementing best practices in library provision
• To carry out such other duties as are necessary to meet the needs of the school and its pupils as directed by the Principal.

Person Specification

Essential experience, skills and abilities

· Degree level qualification in Library and Information Sciences or a similar/related field

· Experience of leading and developing library provision is essential, and preferably will include delivering this in an education setting

· Experience of collaborative lesson planning with teachers to support pupil literacy

· Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility, engage effectively, and build positive relationships with pupils, parents & staff members

· Excellent communication skills, with high level of fluency in English (verbal & written)

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and multi-task effectively

· Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in library management and administration

· Proficiency in ICT tools and software commonly used in schools

· Positive and enthusiastic attitude, and a positive role model for pupils & colleagues alike

· Empathetic, caring and responsive approach to addressing the diverse needs & concerns of young people

Desirable experience, skills & abilities

· Reputable further qualifications in Librarianship

· Membership of a professional body e.g. CILIP

· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or relevant teaching experience

· Previous experience in libraries within a British (international) school environment

· Previous experience of working with pupils for whom English is an additional language (EAL)

· Familiarity with current trends and developments in library technology and information literacy instruction

Application process

Candidates should use the TES application process. Applications should include a covering letter, addressed to the Principal, Mrs Ruth Sanderson, and the contact details for two referees. The closing date for applications is Thursday, 18 April 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be notified shortly after the closing date, and further information will e provided on the planned interview and selection process. All interviews will be conducted online via TEAMS.

Safeguarding

The British School of Amsterdam is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks including background checks overseas (where appropriate).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

The British School of Amsterdam is committed to a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our pupils and wider society and leads to a cognitive diversity which promotes excellence in all areas.