Job Details

Full-Time Library Assistant

Reports To: Director of Digital Learning and Technology
Department: Library Services
Schedule: Full-time
Learn More About The Alexander Dawson School

Shared Values & Competencies of Dawson Employees

Position SummaryThe Full-Time Library Assistant supports the Lead Librarian in maintaining an engaging, organized, and student-centered library environment for students from Early Childhood through 8th grade. This position provides essential behind-the-scenes support while also providing direct instruction and library coverage to ensure seamless library operations at our independent school serving the Summerlin community.

Essential FunctionsThe essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

Professional Work Habits & Mission Alignment

• Professional Standards & Conduct: Consistently upholds professional standards of personal presentation, punctuality, attendance, and engagement at meetings, duty coverage, safety protocols, decision-making, and maintains required credentials.
• Commitment to Dawson Culture: Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and support of Dawson's mission, vision, core values, and diversity statement; actively participates in school-wide events.
• Confidentiality & Ethical Practice: Honors confidentiality of school, student, and family information and demonstrates ethical decision-making in all professional contexts. Talks to people and not about people.
• Working Agreements: Upholds Dawson working agreements, such as assuming positive intentions in all interactions, holding self and others accountable for the impact of words and actions, mindfully sharing the air, and proactively looking for solutions before problems escalate.
• Patience and enthusiasm when working with students of all ages
• Commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning

• Shelve books and materials accurately using the Dewey Decimal System
• Process books being added and weeded from the library
• Create and maintain library displays, supplies, and materials
• Lead annual inventory processes
• Serve as the primary circulation desk person, using the Follett Destiny catalog system
• Help students navigate the library, digital resources, and databases
• Assist students with book selection
• Perform daily book collection of library returns from EC, Lower School, and Middle School
• Attention to detail in organizing and maintaining library materials

• Provide library coverage
• Teach pre-planned library lessons, including storytimes for EC and Kindergarten
• Prepare and support library programming and events (e.g., Bookfair)
  
  
  • The ability to work some nights is required
• On an as-needed basis, serve as an assistant teacher during library classes
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and priorities

• Learn and utilize various digital resources to assist students and staff
• Gather materials for teachers and the lead librarian, as requested
• Maintain accurate records, process overdue notices, and assist with library data collection

• Self-Reflection & Growth Mindset: Demonstrates deep self-awareness, consistently seeks feedback, identifies areas for improvement, and implements meaningful changes to practice.
• Professional Learning & Adaptation: Creates personal development plans, actively seeks learning opportunities, and demonstrates flexibility in adapting to Dawson's culture and practices.
• Effective Communication & Listening: Demonstrates excellent listening skills, remains alert to diverse perspectives, and communicates effectively with various stakeholders throughout change processes.

• Family Communication & Partnership: Establishes reliable, clear communication systems with families, regularly shares student progress, and responds appropriately to concerns with supervisor consultation.
• Team Collaboration & Engagement: Actively participates in team meetings and collaborative efforts, contributes positively to grade-level or department teams, and seeks appropriate guidance from colleagues.
• Learns From Others: Consistently consults with mentors, supervisors, and colleagues for guidance on student interventions, parent communication, and classroom challenges.
• Identity Awareness: Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing cultural competency and exhibits a deep understanding of how identity and lived experiences influence relationships and interactions.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with children, preferably in an educational setting
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort with technology and willingness to learn new systems

• Previous library or educational experience, especially Early Childhood and Kindergarten
• Familiarity with library catalog systems, especially Follett Destiny
• Experience with children's and young adult literature
• Knowledge of digital resources and databases
• Understanding of child development across EC-8th grade levels

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.