Librarian Roles and Responsibilities

Teacher

• Design standards-based lessons that develop students’ reading and thinking and information skills in all content areas

• Teach lessons that effectively model and incorporate research, literacy, and technology

• Collect and analyze data to show the relationship between the library program and student achievement

• Encourage a love of reading through interactive programming, engaging lessons, and reader advisory

• Create an environment that promotes active learning, invites collaboration, and supports inquiry

• Maintain an open and respectful learning space where all students are welcomed and valued

Information Specialist

• Provide equitable access to digital and print resources for all students and staff

• Develop and maintain a diverse library collection to meet students’ academic and recreational reading needs

• Organize the library collection to maximize effective use by students and staff in a manner consistent with district practices

• Demonstrate and teach critical evaluation of information and media in real-world contexts

• Incorporate and model digital citizenship skills

Instructional Partner

• Collaborate with teachers and students to teach engaging, standards-based lessons

• Make staff aware of and assist them in making the best use of all available resources ethically

• Support staff in the use of instructional technology to engage students and improve learning 

• Model effective strategies for developing multiple literacies

• Involve parents and community members in library instruction and planning

Leader

• Serve on decision making teams in the school, especially as related to curriculum and instruction

• Share literacy expertise by presenting at faculty meetings, parent gatherings, etc.

• Advocate for the library program and its positive impact on student learning through data

• Remain current in professional practices, technology, and educational research applicable to the library

• Provide relevant professional development to support and enhance teachers’ instruction

Program Administrator

• Ensure that library program goals are aligned with school and district goals

• Assess the effectiveness of the library program periodically and adjust practices accordingly

• Prepare and justify library budget in support of specific library program goals and the total school curriculum

• Utilize appropriate technology for organization and communication

• Recruit, train, and manage other library staff, students, and volunteers to meet the library’s goals