Library Assistant (0.40 FTE)

Framingham Public Schools seeks a Library Assistant to support the school’s library media center by fostering a welcoming, organized, and resource-rich environment for students and staff. This role assists students with research and book selection, manages daily circulation and cataloging operations, and supports educational and behavioral goals to promote literacy, equitable access, and academic achievement.

About the Role

The Library Assistant works under the guidance of the Library and Media Specialist and Building Principal to align with Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to culturally responsive, quality instruction, and academic proficiency for all students.

Responsibilities

• Planning, Preparation, and Instruction Support
  • Collaborate with classroom teachers and the Library Media Specialist to support learning experiences that incorporate inquiry, information literacy, and critical thinking.
  • Promote a love of reading and lifelong learning through collection care, book displays, and student engagement.
  • Assist students in applying search techniques, including online engines, specialized databases, and catalog searching.
  • Guide students to be ethical users of information and responsible digital citizens.
  • Utilize instructional technology to assist with student learning and encourage students in acquiring new knowledge.
• Systemic Liaison and Advocacy
  • Support school-based decision-making teams and library programming goals.
  • Advocate for the Library Media Center (LMC) through positive public relations and assist with reports on student usage and engagement.
  • Support alignment of LMC routines with school, district, and state standards.
  • Assist teachers and administrators in navigating digital library tools and media systems.
  • Stay informed on current educational and library practices through ongoing professional learning.
• Collaboration and Consultation
  • Assist staff with familiarization of digital library tools and research resources.
  • Participate in evaluating and implementing new library methods and digital tools.
  • Foster a creative, flexible environment that establishes the LMC as a welcoming, essential part of the learning community.
  • Support resource sharing and interlibrary access to expand materials available to students and staff.
• Program Management
  • Help maintain print, digital, and technological resources that support the curriculum and reflect the multicultural diversity of the school community.
  • Manage daily circulation operations (checking materials in/out, managing overdue notices, and processing lost items) and assist with ordering, inventory, and supply tracking.
  • Maintain organized classification, shelving, and cataloging practices for library books and media metadata.
  • Promote copyright awareness, fair use principles, and the ethical use of intellectual property among students.
  • Assist with guiding volunteers and student helpers within the library media center.
• Professional Responsibilities and Development
  • Commit to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and antiracist pedagogical frameworks.
  • Contribute to the school community by participating in staff meetings, serving on committees, and supporting school activities.
  • Maintain a professional, collaborative working relationship with all educational support staff, teachers, administrators, and volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate (or higher) degree, or at least two years of post-secondary education equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution (otherwise must pass the Parapro Test).
• Previous experience in a school, academic, or public library setting is preferred.
• Familiarity or experience with library automation software (such as Destiny) is highly desirable.
• Experience working with children or K-12 students in educational or recreational environments.
• Additional specialized training or coursework in library science, child development, education, or a related field is desirable.

Skills and Abilities

• Differentiated Literacy Support: Ability to assist in delivering Tier 1 and Tier 2 instructional and reading interventions to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with IEPs, 504 plans, and English Language Learners.
• Data-Informed Resource Guidance: Ability to utilize library media usage data and assessment insights to support student growth, guide resource selection, and assist teachers with curriculum materials.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Experience in supporting SEL frameworks within daily library routines to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming library culture.
• Foundational Literacy & Content Support: Knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices to support students in mastering core concepts, research techniques, and grade-level proficiency.
• Restorative Practices & Behavior Management: Ability to utilize restorative approaches and positive behavioral interventions to maintain an orderly library environment and resolve peer conflicts constructively.
• Curriculum & Information Literacy Alignment: Skill in aligning library media resources and support with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district instructional goals.
• Adaptive & Library Technology Integration: Proficiency in utilizing instructional and library technology (Destiny cataloging system, Google Workspace for Education, interactive displays, and digital databases) to enhance student engagement and accessibility.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams (library staff, classroom teachers, special education, and ESL staff) to support student success and access to resources.
• Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in fostering an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for all staff, students, and families.
• Professionalism & Composure: Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance; exhibit professionalism, patience, and composure when responding to high-stakes or unpredictable student situations.

Physical Working Conditions

• Mobility, Navigation & Travel: Must move about and traverse throughout the school building and grounds; requires the ability to navigate effectively throughout classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds for supervision and instruction.
• Stationary Tasks: Often remains in a stationary position for considerable periods of time for instructional delivery, administrative tasks, and meetings.
• Sensory Requirements: Must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety, monitor classroom operations, and provide instruction in active school environments.
• Communication: Must communicate effectively and clearly with students, parents, and district personnel in person, via email, and on the telephone or video conference.
• Manual Dexterity & Technology: Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to operate a computer, input data, and utilize instructional technology and office productivity machinery continuously throughout the day.
• General Physical Strength: Ability to lift, move, and position classroom materials and equipment (up to 30 lbs) such as books, supplies, and bulk student devices.
• Working Environment: Must be able to adapt to dynamic, higher-noise school environments during classroom instruction, recess, and observations.
• Interaction & Focus: Must interact routinely with diverse stakeholders, meet multiple high-level demands simultaneously, and maintain focus on student needs amid frequent interruptions.
• School Environment Exposure: Ability to navigate and function effectively within diverse school settings, including classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds, which involve varying noise levels and high-activity environments.
• Behavioral De-escalation & Resilience: Capacity to remain calm and professional when exposed to student behavioral challenges or high-stakes emotional situations; ability to model and apply de-escalation techniques as needed.

This position reports to the Building Principal (and/or designee) and is classified as Non-Exempt (Hourly) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The role is covered under the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract.

Benefits

Framingham Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package. Click here for more information about our amazing benefits!