Middle School/High School Library Instructional Assistant SY 26-27

Position Title: Middle School/High School Library Instructional Assistant 
Reports To: Principal

SUMMARY
Under direction of the Library Media Specialist and school administration, to perform a variety of skilled instructional and supportive functions within the secondary school library media center; to assist students in developing research, literacy, and digital technology skills; to perform routine clerical, cataloging, and circulation tasks to support library operations; and to do other related work as required to maintain an optimal learning and study resource hub.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instructional Support: Aid the Library Media Specialist and teaching personnel with the presentation of information literacy, research methodologies, and digital citizenship concepts.

• Student Tutoring & Guidance: Skillfully guide individual and small groups of middle/high school students in locating resource materials, navigating database searches, and reinforcing reading and writing development

• Supervision & Behavior Management: Monitor student behavior in the library during class visits, study periods, and open hours using positive reinforcement and strategies appropriate for adolescent development.

• Media & Technology Support: Operate, troubleshoot, and aid students and staff in the use of library technology, including the online public access catalog (OPAC), computer workstations, printers, and 3D printers or maker-space equipment if applicable.

• Circulation & Resource Management: Manage the circulation desk (checking books/media in and out), process overdue notices, shelf-read, and return materials to their proper location (Dewey Decimal or Genre systems).

• Collection Maintenance: Assist in collecting, assembling, cataloging, processing, and repairing books, periodicals, and digital resource materials.

• Learning Environment: Assist in maintaining an orderly, welcoming, visually engaging, and inclusive library environment through thematic displays and organized resource sections.

• Data & Records: Maintain routine records and files about library inventory, textbook management (if applicable), and student library usage statistics.

• Participate in parent conferences as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Basic concepts of adolescent growth, development, and behavioral characteristics of middle and high school students.

• Library terminology, circulation systems, practices, and standard classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal system).

• Basic research practices, including internet search engines, academic databases, and citation styles (MLA/APA).

• English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and literature appropriate for secondary school levels.

• Routine clerical procedures, record management, data entry, and digital filing systems.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate a patient, encouraging, and receptive attitude toward diverse student populations, including those experiencing reading, research, or technological difficulties.

• Communicate effectively in oral and written form, serving as an appropriate professional model for secondary students.

• Perform routine clerical/technical library tasks and operate a variety of educational, office, and media equipment.

• Utilize library resources and creative displays to enhance a positive, academically stimulating educational environment.

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions independently.

• Establish and maintain cooperative, respectful working relationships with students, faculty, and community members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.

• Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 10 to 30 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, or pull library carts, book boxes, and media equipment.

• This type of work involves standing or walking for extended periods, as well as frequent bending, reaching (high and low shelving), and stooping.

• Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far visual acuity, depth perception, providing oral information, and the manual dexterity to operate computers and cataloging tools are important aspects of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience: One (1) year of paid or volunteer experience in a library, media center, or educational setting, preferably working with middle or high school-aged youth.

Education:
Possession of an Associate of Arts or higher degree, supplemented by 15 units of coursework or training in writing, reading, and mathematics instructional technology.

or

Assessment that demonstrates proficiency in writing, reading, and mathematics at the level of a District high school senior (KPA).

For more information, please contact Monica Ballard at 859-987-2163.