Top 12 School Librarian Skills to Put on Your Resume

Crafting a compelling resume as a school librarian requires highlighting a unique blend of skills that showcases your ability to manage library resources, foster a love for reading, and support the educational goals of the school. Demonstrating a well-rounded set of competencies, from organizational prowess to digital literacy and interpersonal abilities, can set you apart in the competitive field of library science.

School Librarian Skills

1. Cataloging
2. Dewey Decimal
3. MARC21
4. Follett Destiny
5. Information Literacy
6. Digital Archiving
7. Lexile Framework
8. OverDrive
9. Research Databases
10. Bibliographic Instruction
11. Collection Development
12. Copyright Compliance

1. Cataloging

Cataloging is the process of creating organized and detailed records for library materials, allowing users to easily search for and locate information within a school library's collection.

Why It's Important

Cataloging is crucial for a school librarian as it ensures the systematic organization of library resources, making it easy for students and educators to quickly find and access the materials they need for learning and teaching.

How to Improve Cataloging Skills

Improving cataloging in a school library setting involves enhancing the accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency of organizing library resources. Here are concise strategies:

1. Adopt a Standardized System: Use a widely recognized cataloging system like the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) or Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) for consistency.
2. Utilize Cataloging Software: Implement library management software such as Koha or Destiny Library Manager for efficient cataloging and easy access to resources.
3. Continuous Training: Engage in ongoing professional development through platforms like WebJunction and ALA eLearning to stay updated on cataloging practices.
4. Collaborate and Share Resources: Participate in cataloging networks or consortia (e.g., OCLC WorldShare) to share resources and expertise.
5. Metadata Quality: Ensure accuracy and completeness of metadata to improve searchability. The Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) offers guidelines for quality metadata.
6. Leverage Authority Control: Maintain consistency in bibliographic records by using authority files, such as the Library of Congress Authorities, to standardize names, subjects, and titles.
7. User-Friendly Interfaces: Choose or customize catalog interfaces that are intuitive for your school community, ensuring they are accessible and user-friendly.
8. Solicit Feedback: Regularly gather input from students and teachers to understand their needs and adjust cataloging practices accordingly.

By focusing on these strategies, school librarians can significantly improve the cataloging process, making library resources more accessible and useful for the school community.

How to Display Cataloging Skills on Your Resume

2. Dewey Decimal

The Dewey Decimal System is a numerical classification method used to organize books and materials in libraries. It assigns a unique number to each book based on its subject matter, making it easier for users to find and retrieve items.

Why It's Important

The Dewey Decimal System is important for a school librarian because it provides a standardized method to organize and classify books, making it easier for students and staff to locate and access materials efficiently.

How to Improve Dewey Decimal Skills

Improving the Dewey Decimal System (DDS) in a school library involves enhancing organization, accessibility, and user-friendliness. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Customize for Your Library: Tailor DDS categories to reflect your school's curriculum and student interests. Consider creating more specific subcategories for popular subjects.

2. Integrate Technology: Use library management software that supports DDS and allows for easy cataloging, searching, and inventory management. LibraryThing and Destiny Library Manager are examples of software that can enhance DDS functionality.

3. Educational Signage and Guides: Create clear, engaging signage and guides that explain the DDS to students. Use visuals and examples relevant to their age group. Online tutorials or interactive guides hosted on the school's library website can also be beneficial.

4. Regular Review and Weeding: Periodically review the collection to ensure it remains relevant and organized. Remove outdated or rarely used materials to keep the collection vibrant and accessible.

5. Feedback and Participation: Encourage feedback from students and teachers on the DDS arrangement and make adjustments as needed. Involving students in the organization process can also foster a sense of ownership and familiarity with the system.

6. Professional Development: Stay updated with DDS advancements and library management trends by joining professional librarian networks and attending workshops. The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) offer resources and community support for continuous learning.

Implementing these strategies can significantly improve the efficiency and user experience of the Dewey Decimal System in a school library setting.

How to Display Dewey Decimal Skills on Your Resume

3. MARC21

MARC21 (Machine-Readable Cataloging) is a standardized format used by libraries to catalog and share information about books and other materials, facilitating efficient organization, search, and retrieval of library resources.

Why It's Important

MARC21 is important for a school librarian because it standardizes the format for bibliographic records, facilitating efficient cataloging, searching, and sharing of library resources across different systems and institutions. This ensures that students and staff can easily access and utilize the library's materials.

How to Improve MARC21 Skills

Improving MARC21 for school librarians involves enhancing cataloging efficiency, metadata quality, and interconnectivity with educational resources. Below are concise strategies with relevant resources:

1. Education and Training: Stay updated with MARC21 developments through professional development opportunities. Online courses and webinars from ALA and Library of Congress can be invaluable.

2. Utilize Cataloging Tools: Adopt cataloging software that supports MARC21 and offers user-friendly interfaces, such as MarcEdit, to streamline the cataloging process.

3. Implement Authority Control: Enhance searchability and data consistency by applying authority control using tools like NACO and VIAF.

4. Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS): Ensure MARC records can be seamlessly integrated into your school's LMS for direct access to library resources. Explore interoperability standards like LTI.

5. Collaboration and Sharing: Join library networks (e.g., OCLC) to share resources and MARC records, reducing duplication of work and improving catalog quality.

6. Incorporate Feedback: Regular feedback from students and faculty can help tailor the MARC21 records to meet the specific needs and preferences of your school community.

7. Stay Informed on Updates: The Library of Congress regularly updates MARC standards. Keep abreast of these changes by subscribing to the MARC Updates mailing list.

8. Explore MARC21 Enhancements: Investigate enhancements like Linked Data and BIBFRAME that can enrich MARC records, making them more accessible and useful in digital environments. BIBFRAME offers insights into the future of bibliographic descriptions.

By focusing on these strategies, school librarians can significantly improve their use of MARC21, enhancing the library's role as a central resource in the educational ecosystem.

How to Display MARC21 Skills on Your Resume

4. Follett Destiny

Follett Destiny is a comprehensive library management system designed for schools, allowing librarians to manage inventory, track book circulation, and access resources and reports to support the educational needs of students and staff.

Why It's Important

Follett Destiny is important for a School Librarian because it streamlines library management, enhancing the efficiency of cataloging, inventory, and circulation processes, while also providing easy access to digital resources and analytics for better decision-making.

How to Improve Follett Destiny Skills

Improving Follett Destiny for a School Librarian involves both optimizing the use of its features and integrating it more deeply into the school's educational ecosystem. Here are concise strategies:

1. Utilize Training Resources: Enhance your understanding and skills by utilizing Follett's Training Resources, including webinars, tutorials, and guides specifically designed for Destiny.

2. Integrate with Learning Management Systems (LMS): Enhance collaboration and access by integrating Destiny with your school's LMS. Learn more about integration possibilities through Follett's Integration Solutions.

3. Leverage Destiny Discover: Promote reading and resource discovery among students by fully utilizing Destiny Discover, which provides an engaging way for students to access library and digital resources.

4. Encourage User Feedback: Regularly gather feedback from students and teachers to tailor the Destiny experience to their needs, enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.

5. Stay Updated: Keep Destiny updated to the latest version to ensure access to new features and improvements. Stay informed through the Follett Community for updates and support.

6. Promote Digital Citizenship: Use Destiny to teach and promote digital citizenship by curating resources and lessons on information literacy, copyright, and online safety.

7. Customize Cataloging and Metadata: Improve searchability and resource discovery by customizing cataloging and metadata to match your school's curriculum needs. Explore Destiny's cataloging features for customization options.

By focusing on these strategies, a School Librarian can significantly enhance the utility and effectiveness of Follett Destiny within their school, fostering a more integrated and engaging learning environment.

How to Display Follett Destiny Skills on Your Resume

5. Information Literacy

Information Literacy is the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically, crucial for students' academic success and lifelong learning, a key responsibility for a School Librarian to teach and facilitate.

Why It's Important

Information Literacy is crucial for a School Librarian as it empowers students to critically evaluate, effectively utilize, and ethically produce information, fostering lifelong learning and informed decision-making skills essential for academic success and responsible citizenship.

How to Improve Information Literacy Skills

Improving information literacy, especially in the context of a school librarian, involves teaching students how to effectively find, evaluate, and use information. Here are concise steps to enhance information literacy skills:

1. Develop and Teach a Curriculum that integrates information literacy into all subject areas. Focus on critical thinking, research skills, and ethical use of information. The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) provides standards and guidelines for school librarians to follow.

2. Use Technology and Online Resources to teach students how to navigate digital information. Encourage the use of reputable databases and online libraries. Introduce tools like Google Scholar for academic research and EasyBib for citation.

3. Promote Digital Citizenship by teaching students about the ethical use of information, including understanding copyright, plagiarism, and the importance of citing sources correctly. Resources like Common Sense Education offer lessons and materials on digital citizenship.

4. Implement Inquiry-Based Learning where students learn through exploration and questioning. This approach encourages deeper engagement with the material and improves research skills. The Big6 is a six-stage model to help anyone solve problems or make decisions by using information.

5. Collaborate with Teachers to integrate information literacy across the curriculum. Work together to create projects that require research and evaluation of sources. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills provides a framework for collaboration between librarians and teachers.

6. Evaluate and Reflect on the effectiveness of information literacy instruction and make necessary adjustments. Use tools like Kahoot! for interactive quizzes to assess students' understanding and gather feedback.

By focusing on these strategies, school librarians can significantly contribute to the development of students' information literacy skills, preparing them for academic success and responsible citizenship in a digital world.

How to Display Information Literacy Skills on Your Resume

6. Digital Archiving

Digital archiving refers to the process of preserving and providing long-term access to digital information, such as documents, multimedia files, and websites, ensuring their usability, reliability, and integrity for future reference and educational purposes.

Why It's Important

Digital archiving is crucial for school librarians as it ensures the long-term preservation and accessibility of educational resources and historical documents, facilitating enhanced learning and research opportunities for students and educators.

How to Improve Digital Archiving Skills

Improving digital archiving for a school librarian involves several key steps aimed at enhancing accessibility, organization, preservation, and usability of digital resources. Here are concise strategies:

1. Implement Robust Metadata Standards: Use consistent metadata standards like Dublin Core to ensure all digital assets are easily searchable and retrievable.

2. Choose the Right Digital Archiving Software: Opt for user-friendly, scalable digital archiving solutions that meet your school's specific needs. Omeka is a popular choice for educational institutions.

3. Regularly Update Digital Formats: Convert and store files in current formats to avoid obsolescence. The Library of Congress provides guidelines on format sustainability.

4. Implement Data Backup and Recovery Plans: Ensure digital archives are backed up in multiple locations. Cloud storage options like Google Drive offer convenient solutions.

5. Train Staff and Students: Provide training sessions on how to use digital archives effectively. This includes searching techniques, citing digital resources, and understanding copyright issues.

6. Engage with the Community: Encourage students and teachers to contribute to the digital archive, making it a living resource that reflects the school community's history and achievements.

By focusing on these areas, school librarians can significantly improve the effectiveness and utility of digital archiving systems, making them invaluable resources for teaching, learning, and research within the school community.

How to Display Digital Archiving Skills on Your Resume

7. Lexile Framework

The Lexile Framework for Reading is a scientific approach to measuring both the reading ability of an individual and the text complexity of materials, like books and articles. It assigns a numerical score (Lexile measure) to both readers and texts, facilitating the match of students to appropriately challenging reading materials within a school library setting. This helps in promoting reading growth and comprehension.

Why It's Important

The Lexile Framework is important for a School Librarian because it provides a standardized measure of text complexity and student reading abilities, enabling the librarian to recommend books that match individual students' reading levels, thus facilitating personalized learning and promoting reading comprehension and success.

How to Improve Lexile Framework Skills

To improve the Lexile Framework in a school library setting, focus on these strategies:

1. Assess and Update Collection: Regularly evaluate your library's collection to ensure it includes a wide range of Lexile levels. Use Lexile Find a Book to identify titles that fill gaps in your collection.

2. Personalize Recommendations: Employ tools like Lexile’s “Find a Book” to match students with books that meet their individual Lexile levels and interests, enhancing their reading experience and growth.

3. Promote Lexile Resources: Educate teachers, students, and parents about Lexile measures and tools. Provide guides or workshops on how to use Lexile resources effectively, such as the Lexile & Quantile Hub.

4. Integrate with Curriculum: Collaborate with teachers to integrate Lexile measures into the curriculum, ensuring that classroom materials align with students' reading abilities and challenges them appropriately.

5. Track Progress: Encourage the use of reading programs that track students’ reading and Lexile scores over time, enabling tailored support and evidence-based adjustments to reading strategies.

6. Engage Families: Share resources like the Family Resources from Lexile with parents to help them understand and support their child’s reading development at home.

By implementing these strategies, you can maximize the effectiveness of the Lexile Framework in your school library, fostering a culture that promotes reading growth and literacy.

How to Display Lexile Framework Skills on Your Resume

8. OverDrive

OverDrive is a digital distribution platform that provides schools and libraries with access to a vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital content, facilitating easy borrowing for students and patrons.

Why It's Important

OverDrive is important for a School Librarian because it provides students and staff with easy access to a vast, diverse digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks, supporting literacy and learning anytime, anywhere, on any device.

How to Improve OverDrive Skills

To improve OverDrive for a school library, focus on the following strategies:

1. Curate Collections: Tailor your library's OverDrive collection to your school's specific needs. Regularly update your collection based on curriculum requirements and student interests. OverDrive's Collection Development provides resources for this.

2. Promote Digital Reading: Use school newsletters, the library website, and social media to highlight available eBooks and audiobooks. OverDrive's Marketing & Outreach tools can help spread the word.

3. Train Staff and Students: Organize training sessions for both staff and students to ensure they are comfortable using OverDrive. Utilize OverDrive's Training Resources for tutorials and webinars.

4. Integrate with Learning Management Systems (LMS): If possible, integrate OverDrive with your school's LMS for easier access. OverDrive's Sora app is designed for education and may offer seamless integration options.

5. Gather Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from users to understand their needs and preferences. This can guide future purchases and adjustments to service offerings.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance the effectiveness and utilization of OverDrive in your school library.

How to Display OverDrive Skills on Your Resume

9. Research Databases

Research databases are digital collections that provide students and staff with access to a wide range of reliable and scholarly sources, including journals, articles, books, and multimedia content, supporting academic research and learning across various subjects.

Why It's Important

Research databases are crucial for school librarians because they provide reliable, curated, and authoritative information from a variety of sources, helping students and teachers access high-quality, academic, and up-to-date resources for learning and teaching.

How to Improve Research Databases Skills

Improving research databases in a school library setting involves focusing on accessibility, relevance, and user education. Here's a concise guide:

1. Enhance Accessibility: Ensure the database interface is user-friendly and accessible from various devices, including tablets and smartphones. Consider integrating Single Sign-On (SSO) to simplify access.

2. Curate Relevant Resources: Regularly update the database collection to include current, credible, and curriculum-aligned resources. Collaborate with teachers to understand their needs, using guides like AASL Standards Framework for Learners to inform selections.

3. Promote Database Literacy: Develop and offer training sessions on effective search strategies and database features. Utilize resources like ProQuest’s Research Companion for educating students and staff.

4. Solicit Feedback and Adapt: Encourage feedback from users (students, teachers, staff) to identify areas for improvement and adjust the database offerings accordingly. Simple surveys using tools like Google Forms can facilitate this process.

5. Leverage Free and Open Access Resources: Supplement subscription databases with high-quality, free academic resources. Directories like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) can expand your library’s resource pool without additional cost.

6. Network and Collaborate: Join professional networks like the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to stay informed about best practices and innovative tools in library services.

By focusing on these strategies, a school librarian can significantly enhance the effectiveness and user satisfaction of research databases.

How to Display Research Databases Skills on Your Resume

10. Bibliographic Instruction

Bibliographic Instruction is a teaching approach used by school librarians to educate students on how to effectively locate, evaluate, and use information resources. It encompasses skills like using library catalogs, databases, and understanding citation formats.

Why It's Important

Bibliographic Instruction is crucial for a School Librarian as it equips students with essential research skills, teaching them how to efficiently locate, evaluate, and use information, fostering independent learning and critical thinking, vital for academic success and lifelong learning.

How to Improve Bibliographic Instruction Skills

Improving Bibliographic Instruction as a School Librarian involves enhancing students' ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively. Here's a concise guide:

1. Integrate Technology: Incorporate digital resources and tools to make bibliographic instruction engaging. Use online databases and library catalogs. OCLC’s WebJunction offers resources on technology integration.

2. Active Learning: Implement active learning strategies such as group projects, scavenger hunts, and problem-solving activities. See ALA’s Guidelines for Instruction Programs in Academic Libraries for more insights.

3. Collaborate with Teachers: Work closely with teachers to integrate bibliographic instruction into the curriculum, ensuring it's relevant and supports classroom learning. Teacher Librarian provides useful articles on collaboration.

4. Assessment and Feedback: Regularly assess students' information literacy skills and adjust instruction based on feedback. Tools like SurveyMonkey can facilitate this process.

5. Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest in information literacy instruction by attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) offers professional development resources.

6. Diverse Resources: Ensure your library collection and resources reflect diverse perspectives and formats. We Need Diverse Books is a great resource for finding diverse literature.

By focusing on these areas, School Librarians can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Bibliographic Instruction, making it more engaging and relevant for students.

How to Display Bibliographic Instruction Skills on Your Resume

11. Collection Development

Collection development in the context of a school librarian involves the systematic selection, acquisition, organization, maintenance, and evaluation of educational and recreational resources (books, digital materials, multimedia) to meet the curriculum needs and personal interests of students and faculty.

Why It's Important

Collection Development is crucial for a School Librarian because it ensures the library's resources are current, relevant, and aligned with the curriculum and students' interests, thereby supporting educational goals and fostering a love for reading and learning.

How to Improve Collection Development Skills

Improving Collection Development for a School Librarian involves several key steps, aiming to create a diverse, relevant, and accessible collection that meets the educational and recreational needs of the school community. Here are concise strategies with related resources:

1. Assess Needs: Regularly evaluate the curriculum needs, students' interests, and teachers' requests to inform your collection development. School Library Journal offers insights and trends that can help in understanding current needs.

2. Diversify Your Collection: Ensure your collection represents a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. The We Need Diverse Books initiative provides resources and recommendations for diversifying school library collections.

3. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of newly published materials and reviews through resources like The Children's Book Review and American Library Association's Booklist.

4. Leverage Technology: Integrate digital resources and eBooks into your collection to meet the evolving needs of digital-native students. OverDrive Education offers a platform for accessing eBooks and audiobooks.

5. Solicit Feedback: Engage students and faculty in the selection process through surveys or a suggestion box, making the library collection more responsive to their needs. Tools like Google Forms can facilitate collecting feedback online.

6. Professional Development: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge in collection development by participating in webinars, workshops, and conferences offered by organizations such as the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

7. Policy and Planning: Develop and regularly update your collection development policy to reflect changing educational goals, standards, and diversity. ALA offers guidelines on creating and implementing such policies.

By following these strategies and utilizing the provided resources, school librarians can significantly enhance their collection development practices to better serve their school community.

How to Display Collection Development Skills on Your Resume

12. Copyright Compliance

Copyright compliance for a school librarian involves ensuring that the use, reproduction, and distribution of copyrighted materials (books, digital content, etc.) within the school library adhere to the legal requirements and guidelines established by copyright laws to respect and protect the intellectual property rights of creators.

Why It's Important

Copyright compliance is important for a school librarian because it ensures the legal and ethical use of materials, protects the intellectual property rights of creators, and fosters respect for copyright laws among students and staff, promoting a culture of responsibility and integrity.

How to Improve Copyright Compliance Skills

Improving copyright compliance, especially for a School Librarian, involves understanding copyright laws, educating staff and students, and implementing proper policies. Here are concise steps to achieve this:

1. Educate Yourself: Understand the basics of copyright law. The Copyright Information Center is a great resource.

2. Develop Policies: Create clear copyright policies for your school. The American Library Association (ALA) provides guidelines that can be adapted.

3. Educate Others: Hold workshops or create materials to educate staff and students about copyright and fair use. Resources from the Copyright Alliance can be helpful.

4. Use Licensed Resources: Whenever possible, subscribe to or purchase resources that have been licensed for educational use. The Creative Commons site can guide in finding open resources.

5. Implement Copyright Compliance Software: Tools like Copyright Clearance Center can help manage copyright permissions.

6. Regular Review: Continuously review and update your policies and practices to stay compliant with current laws.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your library respects copyright laws and fosters an environment of legal and ethical use of materials.

How to Display Copyright Compliance Skills on Your Resume