High School Librarian Onboarding Checklist

High School Librarian Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new High School Librarian starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new High School Librarian, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample High School Librarian onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

High School Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new high school librarian should attend a comprehensive orientation session to familiarize themselves with the school’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the school administration or human resources department.

2. Introduction to the Library: The librarian should be given a tour of the library, including an overview of its layout, resources, and technology. This task is usually performed by a senior librarian or the library director.

3. Introduction to Colleagues: The new librarian should be introduced to their colleagues, including other librarians, teachers, and support staff. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated mentor.

4. Review of Library Policies: The librarian should receive a thorough review of the library’s policies, such as circulation procedures, book selection criteria, and copyright guidelines. This task is usually performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

5. Familiarization with Library Systems: The librarian should be trained on the library’s integrated library system (ILS), including how to catalog books, manage circulation, and generate reports. This task is typically performed by the library’s technology specialist or a senior librarian.

6. Understanding of School Curriculum: The librarian should be provided with an overview of the school’s curriculum, including subject areas, grade levels, and any specialized programs. This task is usually performed by the school administration or curriculum coordinator.

7. Collaboration with Teachers: The librarian should be encouraged to meet with teachers to discuss their curriculum needs and how the library can support their instructional goals. This task is typically performed by the librarian in collaboration with the school administration.

8. Introduction to Library Budget: The librarian should be informed about the library’s budget, including how funds are allocated, any restrictions, and the process for making purchases. This task is typically performed by the library director or the school’s finance department.

9. Professional Development Opportunities: The librarian should be made aware of professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, to enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated professional development coordinator.

10. Safety and Emergency Procedures: The librarian should receive training on safety and emergency procedures specific to the library, including fire drills, lockdown protocols, and first aid. This task is typically performed by the school administration or a designated safety officer.

11. Introduction to Library Committees: The librarian should be introduced to any library committees or teams they will be a part of, such as the library advisory committee or technology committee. This task is typically performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

12. Understanding of Library Assessment: The librarian should be provided with information on how the library’s performance is assessed, such as through surveys, usage statistics, and student feedback. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated assessment coordinator.

13. Introduction to Library Policies for Students: The librarian should be familiarized with the library’s policies and procedures for student behavior, borrowing privileges, and consequences for rule violations. This task is typically performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

14. Introduction to Library Resources: The librarian should receive training on the library’s resources, including databases, e-books, periodicals, and other materials available to students and staff. This task is typically performed by a senior librarian or the library’s technology specialist.

15. Introduction to Library Programming: The librarian should be informed about any ongoing library programs, such as book clubs, author visits, or reading challenges, and how they can contribute to their planning and execution. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated programming coordinator.

16. Introduction to Library Policies for Parents: The librarian should be provided with information on the library’s policies and procedures for parent involvement, volunteer opportunities, and communication channels. This task is typically performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

17. Introduction to Library Collection Development: The librarian should receive training on the library’s collection development policies, including how to select, evaluate, and weed books and other materials. This task is typically performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

18. Introduction to Library Technology: The librarian should be trained on the library’s technology infrastructure, including computer systems, printers, scanners, and any specialized software used in the library. This task is typically performed by the library’s technology specialist or a senior librarian.

19. Introduction to Library Services: The librarian should be familiarized with the various services offered by the library, such as reference assistance, interlibrary loan, and digital literacy programs. This task is typically performed by a senior librarian or the library director.

20. Introduction to Library Policies for Staff: The librarian should be provided with information on the library’s policies and procedures for staff, including work schedules, leave policies, and professional conduct expectations. This task is typically performed by the library director or a senior librarian

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example High School Librarian checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new High School Librarian up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.