Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Middle School Assistant Librarian Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School | MICDS

About MICDS

MICDS has a rich and distinctive history spanning more than 150 years. A leader in independent education, MICDS is a college-prep, coeducational school for grades JK-12. Our mission is to help students discover their unique talents, preparing them for higher education and a life of purpose and service as engaged citizens in our ever-changing world.

Employee Benefits

MICDS offers employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan, including a generous 403(b) retirement plan where the School contributes 8% of salary with an employee’s 3% contribution; medical, dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts and long term care insurance; life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurances; tuition benefit; paid leaves; access to a fitness center; and free lunch.

Application Process

For immediate consideration, complete our online application at https://www.micds.org/our-school/career-opportunities/ and upload a copy of your cover letter and resume.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Head of Middle School and the Middle School Librarian, the Assistant Librarian supports the effective use of ideas and information by students and faculty. The Assistant Librarian helps foster a love of learning and encourages students to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. In this role, the Assistant Librarian collaborates with the Middle School Librarian and faculty to assist in designing and implementing lessons as well as supporting student learning. The Assistant Librarian contributes to the daily operation of the library and provides essential support to ensure that the library program aligns with the mission, goals, and objectives of the School.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Manages the daily operation of the middle school library and all library programs to include maintaining the general upkeep and function of the library.
  • Collaborates with other divisional librarians JK-12 to ensure efficient and cohesive operations and services on behalf of students.
  • Participates in relevant academic development in partnership with the Librarian.
  • Supports an environment that is conducive to active and participatory learning, resource-based instructional practices, and collaboration with faculty.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining intellectual freedom and promoting the ethical use of information.
  • Maintains active membership in professional associations and helps to ensure that the middle school library is current with best practices.

Information Specialist

  • Support faculty development on the use of information resources and integration of information literacy skills.
  • Supports existing and emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning, including maintaining the library website to promote information resources and the library program.
  • Actively promotes reading and library use through such activities as readers’ advisory, bibliographies, booktalks, displays, publications, reading programs, and special events.

Instructional Collaborator

  • Works with faculty to build and strengthen connections between student information and research needs, curricular content, learning outcomes, and information resources.
  • Collaborates with the Librarian and faculty to design and implement lessons, to teach engaging inquiry and learning experiences, and to foster critical thinking.
  • Promotes attitudes, habits, and skills that will enable school community members to become lifelong readers and learners.

Circulation and Collection Management

  • Assists in daily library management to include checking materials in and out utilizing the library circulation system.
  • Provides reference assistance and services for students and faculty.
  • Tracks usage statistics and produces reports on circulation patterns to support purchasing and deselection decisions.
  • Assists in identifying materials (books, media, digital resources) for purchase based on user demand, circulation trends, and gaps in the collection to develop a current and balanced collection representing diverse points of view in accordance with the materials selection policy.
  • Performs copy cataloging using MARC and internal cataloging standards.
  • Updates bibliographic and item records to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency in the library system.
  • Processes new materials for shelving to include: stamping, barcoding, covering, classifying, and labeling materials based on internal cataloging standards.
  • Conducts regular and routine shelf-reading and collection audits to ensure accuracy and organization.
  • Assists with weeding projects to identify outdated, damaged, or low-use materials.
  • Repairs minor damage (rebinding, recovering, mending) to extend item lifespan.
  • Conducts routine inventory audits to ensure catalog accuracy and identify missing or misshelved items.

Community Member/Advisor

  • Serves as grade level advisor for 10-12 students and implements grade level programming and advisory curriculum.
  • Assists the Librarian with compilation and production of the Middle School yearbook.
  • Contributes to school events and participates in committee work.
  • Perform supervisory or other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Master’s in Library Science or Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) from a graduate library program accredited by the American Library Association preferred.
  • At least three years’ library/teaching experience.
  • Must enjoy working with middle school students in grades 5-8.
  • Participates willingly in the life of the School beyond the classroom.
  • Experience working in a one-to-one laptop environment or relevant technology skills.
  • Ability to work in an environment that embraces a diverse community of students, educators, parents, and alums.

OTHER INFORMATION

  • A criminal history and background check is required and must be successfully completed prior to employment.
  • Generally, works in standard office conditions and climate.
  • May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
  • Duties require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, and talking or hearing.
  • Requires the ability to regularly lift more than 20 pounds. ‘
  • Duties require occasional periods of climbing or balancing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, keyboarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
  • Vision requirements include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, workshops, conferences, etc.
  • Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the School’s discretion.