What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Library Assistant position at McPherson USD 418?
Roosevelt Elementary School is looking for a Library Assistant effective for the 2026/27 school year.
Primary Responsibilities (90% of position):
- Teach Library Knowledge and Technology Skills: Deliver weekly instruction to K-5 students, focusing on library literacy, digital citizenship, and research skills.
- Classroom Management: Manage student behavior and engagement during library lessons and activities using proactive strategies.
- Floating Library Assistant Role: Provide flexible support to the librarian and school community through a wide range of technical, clerical, and instructional responsibilities.
- Categorize and Classify Library Materials: Apply professional standards and local policies to ensure materials are accurately organized and accessible for student and staff use.
Library Operations and Cataloging Support
Communicate regularly and effectively with the building librarian.-
Assist with acquisitions, including reviewing orders, managing budgets, processing invoices, and assessing building needs. -
Assist in conducting inventory and library audits. -
Follow established library standards such as Sears Subject Headings, Dewey Decimal Classification, and MARC21. -
Perform original and copy cataloging across subjects and languages; adapt online records to fit local guidelines. -
Enter data for new acquisitions into the library catalog and adjust cataloging practices for new material types. -
Collaborate with colleagues to improve cataloging processes and establish best practices. -
Organize backlogs, determine appropriate treatments for series/multipart works, and ensure accessible retrieval of materials. -
Conduct book repair and participate in regular weeding of outdated or damaged materials. -
Run and respond to library reports to ensure timely material tracking and student accountability. -
Instructional and Collaborative Duties
Support small groups of students on targeted learning projects.-
Collaborate with librarians and assistants across different school sites. -
Recommend age-appropriate books to students and staff. -
Prep materials for class and small group instruction. -
Assist with student and staff access to library databases and research tools. -
Checkout books and assist with circulation needs. -
Suggest and help implement seasonal and thematic library decorations and bulletin boards. -
Pull books to support classroom curriculum and special requests from staff. -
Help facilitate the school book fair and library promotional events. -
Serve on the school library committee and attend professional development, conferences, and continuing education. -
Take notes at monthly staff meetings and relay key information to the librarian. -
Additional Responsibilities (approx. 10% of position):
- Duties as assigned, which may include general clerical support, additional classroom assistance, or school-wide projects.