Library Administrative Assistant (Circulation)

Library Administrative Assistant (Circulation)

Reporting to: Head Librarian / Director of Technology

Working Period: ASL term time (August-June), 10 months per school year

Hours: Full-time

Start: April 2026

Overall purpose: The ASL libraries serve as a vital hub of curricular and extracurricular activity. The libraries are regarded by all members of the community as a classroom, a resource center, and a place to go for work as well as pleasure. The role-holder is a core member of the school's TILM (technology, information literacy, and media) team. They assist the school's Librarians/TILM Co-teachers in the Mellon and Lower School (LS) Libraries in the full utilization of services, materials, and resources offered to students, faculty, and staff with a focus on circulation. They also provide behind-the-scenes and direct person-to-person support to patrons.

Summary of Major Responsibilities

Circulation and Administrative Duties:

• Assist in the management, organization, and supervision of the library circulation system (Destiny) for Mellon and the Lower School
• Maintain coverage of the circulation desk for services in the Mellon and Lower School libraries and provide relief supervision to accommodate LS Librarian/TILM Co-teaching schedules as needed
• Oversee the accurate maintenance of patron records
• Manage the accounting system for lost book payments and refunds
• Manage overdue materials via email or through other communication means
• Process holds in the Mellon and the Lower School libraries
• Shelve, straighten, and shelf-read the collection
• Examine returned materials for obvious damage, assessing fines where necessary
• Assist patrons in locating materials, using the online catalog (OPAC), and accessing online resources
• Work with TILM librarians/co-teachers to maintain a current collection by discarding outdated and worn materials or cleaning, mending, or replacing as necessary
• Conduct a yearly inventory of library materials in both the Mellon and Lower School Libraries; resolve problems and discrepancies arising from this
• Assist the TILM librarians/co-teachers in the daily operation of the library
• Perform a variety of library-focused and computer-related tasks as assigned
• Assist the librarians in maintaining updated book and resource lists with new acquisitions
• Provide a welcoming and culturally responsive atmosphere for patrons in the libraries and assist them in the selection of materials
• Promote reading as both a personal and academic pursuit
• Coordinate the parent volunteer program for the Mellon Library
• Assist with creating displays and bulletin boards in and around the libraries
• Assist the Head Librarian with the preparation of periodic statistical and library reports
• Help maintain an orderly environment conducive to learning, addressing student behavioral issues where necessary
• Attend library-related meetings, workshops, and in-service programs when required
• Any other duties as are within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job as requested by the supervisor

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A demonstrable awareness of and commitment to diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding in education
• Confidence in working with a diverse range of patrons aged from 4 to adult
• Previous experience working with young people or in a school environment
• Education to degree level
• Working knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System, and how print and digital libraries are organized
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a desire to work in a team-focused environment
• Excellent organizational, clerical, and keyboarding skills
• Demonstrable technology skills and proven ability to multitask
• Ability to address student behavior in a library setting
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, take initiative, and demonstrate flexibility
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Experience working in a K-12 school environment
• Previous experience working in a library
• Library-relevant degree or other qualification

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills. Educators with knowledge of global education and prospective applicants for any position who are committed to diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome to apply. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement here .