Middle School Librarian

The Middle School Librarian leads a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered library program that promotes reading, inquiry, research, information literacy, and lifelong learning.

Collaborating with Middle School faculty, the Librarian integrates information literacy into the curriculum, empowering students to locate, evaluate, use, create, and communicate information ethically and effectively.

The Librarian curates a diverse collection of print, digital, and multimedia resources aligned with curriculum goals and reflective of our community's diverse perspectives. Additionally, the role fosters a vibrant reading culture and establishes the library as a central hub for learning and collaboration.

In partnership with Elementary and High School Librarians and technology integrationists, the Librarian ensures a cohesive K–12 library and research continuum.

Core Responsibilities

Professionalism

• Serves as an Advisor in the Middle School Advisory Program.

• Collaborate as an effective  member of Middle school teams (PLC, Department, Grade Level, etc.) 

• Positively contribute to school culture through the support and sponsorship of a student club or non-stipended extracurricular activity. 

• Participates in professional development training and attends required presentations.

• Provides a positive and safe environment in which students are encouraged to actively engage in the learning process.

• Maintain professional obligations, meeting deadlines, and honoring schedules.

• Strictly uphold ISB standards of integrity, respect, child safeguarding, and student well-being.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.

Teaching and Learning

• Partner with Middle School teachers to integrate research, media literacy, digital citizenship, and inquiry into unit designs.

• Provide targeted instruction on research strategies, source evaluation, ethical information use, and digital tool navigation.

• Guide students to become independent, critical, and ethical creators and consumers of information.

• Co-design and co-teach interdisciplinary projects utilizing varied print, digital, and multimedia resources.

• Cultivate a school-wide culture of reading for personal enjoyment and intellectual growth.

• Differentiate learning opportunities to challenge and support students of diverse abilities, interests, and backgrounds.

Library Program Development

• Manage a student-centered Middle School Library program aligned with ISB learning goals.

• Provide equitable access to library facilities, collections, and educational programs

• Organize literary events, displays, and initiatives that spark curiosity and foster community belonging.

• Assess and continuously refine library services based on student feedback, curriculum needs, and data.

• Contribute to the alignment and articulation of K–12 information literacy benchmarks.

Collection Development and Resource Management

• Curate and maintain a balanced, current collection of print and digital resources supporting the curriculum.

• Select materials that reflect diverse student backgrounds, interests, reading levels, and global perspectives.

• Advance diversity, inclusion, and multilingualism through collection development.

• Regularly evaluate, promote, and weed resources to keep the collection engaging and relevant. 

• Oversee the library budget with fiscal responsibility to maximize resource impact.

• Maintain effective cataloging standards and assist community members in accessing catalog systems.

• Uphold school policies regarding copyright, privacy, collection policies, and acceptable use.

Library Operations and Leadership

• Ensure the library is a welcoming, organized, and effective learning environment.

• Coordinate facility scheduling and manage student and faculty access to physical and digital resources.

• Supervise, mentor, and support professional growth for library instructional assistants and support personnel.

• Establish operational procedures in coordination with Middle School leadership and divisional librarians.

• Collaborate with operations and IT departments regarding facility needs, technology integration, and events.

Collaboration and Professional Community

• Partner with Elementary and High School Librarians to deliver a seamless K–12 library program.

• Work alongside Curriculum and EdTech leaders to align information literacy and digital research goals school-wide.

• Build strong, positive working relationships with students, faculty, leadership, and families.

• Engage in continuous professional learning to remain current on library science, literacy, and educational technology trends.

• Partner with counselors, administrators, and parents to support students' academic achievement and social-emotional well-being.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

• Valid teaching qualification or professional credential in library or information science education.

• At least three years of relevant and recent experience as a school librarian, teacher librarian, or library media specialist.

• Experience with, and a belief in, an inquiry approach to teaching and learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS), Library Media Specialist certification, or equivalent advanced degree.

• Experience working in a progressive international school environment.

• Experience with the IB Diploma Program’s Extended Essay process (preferred)

Pedagogical Practice requirements

• Has an Inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning

• Ability to adapt teaching to the context

• Highly Skilled in using a  varied pedagogical and assessment toolkit

• Can challenge and extend all learners

• Can integrate the teaching of skills to prepare students for life beyond the classroom

• Identifies instructional resources to meet the diverse needs of students 

• Uses data to improve learning

Mindsets and Dispositions

• Cares for students

• Strong work ethic

• Contributes positively to the culture of the school

• Open-minded and adaptable

• Demonstrates growth-mindset and passion for lifelong learning

• Culturally competent

• Reflective on their practice

ISB supports the visa and work permit process at no cost to the employee, their spouse and up to two dependent children.