Head Librarian

The Head Librarian is a special position which combines the roles of Librarian and Teacher. It is understood that a job description can never put into words all of the qualities that an active Teacher Librarian embodies. It is hoped that the ISPH Head Librarian will strive to inspire, encourage and nurture, to the best
of his/her ability.
Main Responsibilities:
1. As school Librarian:
The School Head Librarian manages and operates a central learning environment used by the whole school
community. He/she is responsible for the acquisition, organization and dissemination of resources
appropriate to the learning needs of the full age and ability range within ISPH.
● Support the educational aims and objectives of the School
● Assist in the purchasing and ordering of books
● Catalog, and classify resources
● Maintain a clean and tidy Library
● Maintain records of resources that are taken 'Out' and 'Returned', by students and staff
● Help children to identify, locate and access the information that they need
● Manage and promote a wide range of resources in a variety of formats
● Take a lead in creating a whole-school environment which encourages reading for pleasure
● Manage the Library to create a study environment for both curriculum-based and independent
learning
● Empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users
of information
● Advise Senior Management and other colleagues on policies for the provision of learning resources
across the curriculum
● Advise on Library budget as required
● Enable teaching staff to maintain a high level of awareness of professional development and
relevant resources through the provision of appropriate professional materials and information
● Support home-school liaison projects that develop and support family learning
● Support the engagement of parents in their child's learning
● Manage and assign jobs to the Library Assistant.
2. As Teacher:
● To lead library skills lessons for classes visiting the library.
● To teach children from Early Years to Secondary.
● To teach EAL to individuals or small groups.
● To provide EAL students with extra support if necessary, to enable them to access the curriculum
and make appropriate progress
● To help with lesson cover as necessary.
● To coordinate and provide in-class support across all subject areas where required
● To learn and grow with the school.
● Be able to adapt to an international school culture of learning.
● Be able to work with other teachers and integrate Japanese into the curriculum.
● To facilitate effective learning both inside and outside the classroom in order to develop students'
ability to function in Japanese and in English.
3. Other Responsibilities
● Support school with jobs relating to the Japanese speaking community when required.
● Support the Performing Arts department in Music teaching when required and time allows.
● Support the aims and ethos of the school.
● Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance.
● Attend team and staff meetings as required.
● Report any Health and Safety concerns around the school.
● Actively support and adhere to the Child Protection Policy, including attending annual training.
● Undertake break duties as required.
● Lead at least one co-curricular activity (CCA) per term.
Skills, Competencies and Characteristics Required:
● Should be a qualified teacher.
● Should be a lover of books.
● Holding a qualified librarian certificate is a benefit but not essential.
● Should enjoy working with children and young people
● Should be highly trustworthy, honest and dependable
● Should be willing to learn about the UK curriculum and how schools operate.
● Should be proactive, positive, approachable and well organised.
● Should have a good command of spoken and written English language.
● Should show a willingness to be involved in the life of the school over and above the prescribed
role.