School Librarian Onboarding Checklist

School Librarian Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new 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 School Librarian, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample School Librarian onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

School Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new school librarian should attend a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the school’s mission, vision, and values, as well as the organizational structure and key personnel. This task is typically performed by the school principal or a designated administrator.

2. Introduction to Policies and Procedures: The librarian should receive a detailed overview of the school’s policies and procedures, including those related to library operations, student behavior, and safety protocols. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a senior staff member.

3. Familiarization with Library Resources: The new librarian should be provided with a thorough introduction to the library’s collection, including books, periodicals, digital resources, and technology tools. They should also be given access to the library’s cataloging and circulation systems. This task is typically performed by the outgoing librarian or a senior library staff member.

4. Training on Library Management Software: The librarian should receive training on the library management software used by the school, including how to catalog new materials, manage circulation, and generate reports. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated technology specialist.

5. Collaboration with Teachers: The librarian should be introduced to the teaching staff and provided with opportunities to collaborate on curriculum development, lesson planning, and resource selection. This task is typically facilitated by the school librarian and the curriculum coordinator.

6. Introduction to Library Policies for Students: The librarian should be familiarized with the library policies and procedures specifically designed for students, including borrowing limits, overdue fines, and behavior expectations. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

7. Introduction to Library Committees and Organizations: The new librarian should be introduced to any library committees or organizations they will be expected to participate in, such as the library advisory committee or professional associations. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated administrator.

8. Training on Library Programming: The librarian should receive training on planning and implementing library programs, such as author visits, book clubs, and literacy initiatives. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

9. Introduction to Library Budgeting: The librarian should be provided with an overview of the library’s budgeting process, including how to request funds for new materials, equipment, and professional development. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or the school’s finance department.

10. Professional Development Opportunities: The librarian should be informed about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, that will enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of librarianship. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated administrator.

11. Introduction to Library Support Staff: The librarian should be introduced to any support staff members who assist with library operations, such as library assistants or volunteers. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

12. Familiarization with Library Policies for Parents: The librarian should be provided with an overview of the library policies and procedures specifically designed for parents, including borrowing privileges, volunteer opportunities, and parent education resources. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

13. Introduction to Library Technology: The librarian should receive training on the various technology tools and equipment available in the library, such as computers, printers, scanners, and interactive whiteboards. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated technology specialist.

14. Introduction to Library Collection Development: The librarian should be familiarized with the process of selecting and acquiring new materials for the library’s collection, including how to evaluate resources for relevance, quality, and diversity. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

15. Introduction to Library Assessment and Evaluation: The librarian should be introduced to the methods and tools used to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of library programs, services, and resources. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated administrator.

16. Introduction to Library Safety and Emergency Procedures: The librarian should receive training on library safety and emergency procedures, including fire drills, lockdown protocols, and first aid. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

17. Introduction to Library Advocacy: The librarian should be provided with information on how to advocate for the library and its resources within the school community and beyond. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated administrator.

18. Introduction to Library Partnerships: The librarian should be introduced to any existing partnerships or collaborations the library has with external organizations, such as public libraries, museums, or community groups. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

19. Introduction to Library Policies for Staff: The librarian should be familiarized with the library policies and procedures specifically designed for staff, including borrowing privileges, professional development opportunities, and equipment usage guidelines. This task is usually performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member.

20. Introduction to Library Marketing and Promotion: The librarian should receive training on how to effectively market and promote library programs, services, and resources to students, staff, parents, and the wider community. This task is typically performed by the school librarian or a designated staff member

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example School Librarian checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new 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.