Library Assistant

Title: Library Assistant

Reports To: Lower School Division Head

Classification: Non-Exempt
-Full Time

Status: Academic Year Faculty (26-27)

MCDS is an independent, K-8, co-educational school of 600 students. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of learning that inspires curiosity, empathy, and action. Rooted in our values of respect, responsibility, and compassion, we are an intentional community where varied perspectives and life experiences are vital to our collective growth and the strength of our program

Our Academic & Community Programming: We model teaching excellence through student-centered, differentiated instruction framed around experiential and place-based education. Our 35-acre campus on the hillside of Ring Mountain serves as a living laboratory where students engage directly with environmental sustainability. Our academic program is purposefully scaffolded around three key skill areas—literacy, mathematics, and writing—partnered closely with the developmental milestones and social-emotional needs of our learners.

A Culture of Professional Learning: MCDS is devoted to cultivating an inspiring professional learning environment where adults are engaged in growth throughout the trajectory of their time here. We provide robust funding and time for professional development, encouraging practitioners to seek constant improvement as educators, team members, and community leaders.

The Opportunity

The Library Assistant supports our school librarians with a blend of essential technical, clerical, and student-facing responsibilities. This role is ideal for a collaborative team player who possesses a solid understanding of library software and organization, and who excels at connecting with students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 as well as faculty members.

Principle Responsibilities:

Student & Patron Services

• Classroom Support:
  Assist library classes with book selection and the check-out process; substitute for library classes when necessary.
• Student Supervision:
  Supervise and maintain a welcoming, safe environment during student recess times in the library.
• Circulation Management:
  Efficiently check library materials in and out.
• Patron Guidance:
  Guide students and faculty in navigating the library catalog and utilizing online resources.
• Communication:
  Respond promptly to basic patron inquiries, including emails regarding overdues, renewals, and general requests.

Technical & Collection Maintenance

• Database Management:
  Create and update patron records, add/delete copies, and officially withdraw books selected for discard using library software.
• Reporting:
  Run library statistics and circulation reports as requested.
• Materials Processing & Repair:
  Prepare new books and materials for circulation and perform in-house book repairs to extend the lifespan of the collection.
• Inventory & Weeding:
  Assist librarians with routine collection inventory and strategic weeding (de-selection) projects.
• Daily Operations:
  Shelve books accurately, perform shelf-reading to ensure correct order, and pull resources for faculty or librarian use.

Creative & Environmental Support

• Visual Displays:
  Design and set up engaging, topical library displays to promote reading and community themes.
• Graphic Design:
  Create basic graphics for library signage, bookmarks, and informational flyers.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience:
  
  Relevant experience working in a library environment.
• Student Connection:
  Demonstrated experience working effectively with K-8 students.
• Collaboration:
  
  Strong interpersonal skills and a highly collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Mindset: A strong commitment to professional growth, reflective practice, and a growth mindset.
• Physical Demands:
  Ability to lift and carry heavy books and boxes up to 30 lbs, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods to shelve materials.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: $20-25/hour
• Hours:
  
  8:00 - 4:00, Monday
  - Friday
• We offer a compensation and benefits package that includes fully paid employee medical, dental, vision, life insurance for employees, employer contributions toward dependent coverage, a generous retirement plan match with…