Division: Lower and Middle School
Job Title: Lower and Middle School Library Assistant
Status: hourly/non-exempt, Full-Time Year-Round
Rate: $30 to $34 per hour

ABOUT POLY
Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.
Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.
Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives.
To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us.
Poly is seeking a Library Assistant to support the daily operations of the Lower and Middle School Library and help maintain a welcoming, organized, and student-centered library environment. This role is primarily responsible for circulation, processing materials, conducting yearly inventory, supporting students and staff, and assisting with library programming and student supervision. The Library Assistant works closely with the Lower and Middle School Librarian and the K–5 Library Teacher to support students’ access to library resources and a positive library experience. This is a year-round position, tasked with staffing and managing the library during PolySummer, our school's summer program. During the summer months, the individual in this role will be responsible for the library.
Reporting to the Director of the Lower School, the successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to all school work and will use the school’s mission to design and support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students.

Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Library Operations and Circulation

• Support the circulation desk, including check-in, check-out, renewals, holds, shelving, and yearly inventory;
• Maintain an organized, accessible, and welcoming library environment for students, faculty, and staff;
• Process new library materials, including labeling, covering, and preparing items for circulation;
• Maintain library records and assist with overdue notices, lost book issues, and related communication;
• Support the organization and upkeep of library materials, displays, and shared library spaces.

Student, Faculty, and Staff Support

• Provide general support to students, faculty, and staff, including book recommendations, resource location, and basic research assistance;
• Assist Lower and Middle School students in using the library, locating materials, and developing responsible library habits;
• Support faculty and staff with locating library materials appropriate to classroom, curricular, and instructional needs;
• Assist with the selection of library materials appropriate to student and staff instructional needs.

Student Supervision and Library Environment

• Assist with the supervision of Lower and Middle School students in the library and ensure that student behavior supports the library’s academic and social-emotional purpose;
• Help create a warm, inclusive, and engaging library environment where Lower and Middle School students feel welcome, supported, and encouraged as readers and learners;
• Support routines and expectations that allow the library to function as a purposeful and respectful learning space.
• Programming and Instructional Support
• Support library programming, including setting up for events, assisting with activities, and helping with special projects;
• Assist with displays, promotions, and initiatives that encourage reading, curiosity, and student engagement;
• Provide coverage or substitute for library classes in the absence of librarians, as needed;
• Collaborate with the Lower and Middle School Librarian, K–5 Library Teacher, faculty, and staff to support the broader goals of the library program
• Manage, supervise, and maintain full operational responsibility for the library during the PolySummer program, ensuring a welcoming and organized environment for summer participants.
• Professional and Community Responsibilities
• Regularly participate in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow expertise in library instruction, children’s literature, information literacy, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices;
• Communicate professionally and effectively with students, faculty, staff, and families as appropriate;
• Attend meetings, workshops, and in-service programs;
• Serve as a “Panther Pod” advisory leader;
• Enthusiastically participate in the greater life of the school;
Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical requirements and work environment

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts;
• Work at a desk and computer;
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds;
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment;
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Salary
Polytechnic School is committed to attracting and retaining talented, dedicated employees through a competitive compensation plan that is commensurate with experience.

Benefits
A full benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Experience working in a school, library, or student-centered environment preferred;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Comfort with library systems, databases, digital resources, and basic technology;
• Ability to support students with book selection, resource location, and basic research needs;
• Ability to supervise students warmly and effectively while maintaining clear expectations;
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills;
• Love of reading, libraries, and working with children and educators;
• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to the daily needs of a busy school library.