Library Administrative Assistant; Circulation), American SCHOOL

Library Administrative Assistant (Circulation)

Location:

The American School in London

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

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 centre, 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 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.

• Assist in the management, organisation 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 other communication means.
• Process holds in the Mellon and 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• Work with TILM librarians/co‑teachers to maintain a current collection by discarding outdated and worn materials or cleaning, mending or replacing as necessary.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 and assist them in the selection of materials.
• Promote reading as both a personal and academic pursuit.
• Coordinate the parent volunteer programme 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 behavioural issues where necessary.
• Attend library‑related meetings, workshops and in‑service programmes when required.
• Any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the supervisor.

• 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 organised.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a desire to work in a team‑focused environment.
• Excellent organisational, clerical and keyboarding skills.
• Demonstrable technology skills and proven ability to multitask.
• Ability to address student behaviour in a library setting.
• Ability to work independently, problem‑solve, take initiative and demonstrate flexibility.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organisational skills.

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

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the…