CDETB Curriculum Development Unit: School Librarian – JCSP Demonstration Library Project
The JCSP Demonstration Library Project is inviting applications for the position of JCSP School Librarian. The employer for this position is the City of Dublin ETB and the position is based at Presentation Secondary School, Clarence Mangan Road, Warrenmount, Dublin 8.
This is a temporary, full-time position (Maternity Leave cover)
Junior Certificate School Programme
The Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) is a national Department of Education Programme under the management of the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) that particularly supports students who show signs of potential early school leaving. It is based on the concept that all young people are capable of real success in school, and that they can have a positive experience of education, if the conditions are favourable. Currently, the JCSP operates in over 220 schools/centres. The Programme is an intervention into the Junior Cycle that assists schools and teachers in making the Junior Cycle curriculum and examination more accessible to students. It is specially designed to help young people who have had a difficult experience of school. Literacy is a core element of the JCSP framework for learning.
The links between early school leaving, poor literacy and social exclusion have been well established. The JCSP aims to support those schools that have a significant number of under-achieving readers, in developing a whole school approach to literacy as a central part of their school development plan.
The JCSP Demonstration Library Project provides structured library and literacy programmes which aim to improve the literacy levels of JCSP students within the context of this school-wide approach. Professionally staffed, high quality libraries are in place in a number of schools in the Junior Certificate School Programme.
The main findings of research on the JCSP Demonstration Library Project include:
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Reading standards improved
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Concentration, the ability to complete a task and constructive behaviour improved
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Learning in a non-traditional way outside of the classroom created new levels of enthusiasm
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Teachers and students saw the library as central to learning in the school and to the life of the school community generally
The impact of this project is that very many students around the country are enjoying a more positive experience of school, with opportunities to greatly improve their literacy levels.
Additional information available at https://jcsplibraries.com/
Requirements and Job Description
The school librarian works as part of a network of librarians in the project. He/she is responsible, together with key school staff, for drawing up and implementing library strategies to tackle the literacy difficulties experienced by many JCSP students.
This post is open to individuals who hold a Primary Degree in Library and Information Science, or an equivalent qualification (to degree or postgraduate level) that is recognised by the Library Association of Ireland
Applicants should also have a number of the following:
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An interest in working with teenagers in the context of educational disadvantage and an interest in literacy development
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Experience of managing all aspects of a library
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The ability to work as part of an existing and expanding team to develop every aspect of the national project
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A willingness to work as part of a research team and to input into the ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the project
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Excellent organisational, ICT, communication skills and interpersonal skills
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The ability to prepare regular reports and to develop student support materials
Duties will include:
- Maintaining and developing a high quality school library which prioritises the needs of the JCSP students; this will be done in conjunction with the Senior Project Librarian,
- Liaising with, and reporting to, the Senior Project Librarian and the Principal of the school in which you are located on all matters relating to the establishment, running and maintenance of the library and all accompanying literacy and numeracy based programmes.
- Liaising with the Senior Project Librarian, the JCSP Support Service, under the management of the PDST, the school JCSP co-ordinator, the Principal and teaching staff in designing and delivering library-based programmes to tackle literacy and numeracy difficulties as experienced by JCSP students.
- Continuous and ongoing engagement with the JCSP students in your school to ensure that they use the school library effectively.
- Managing a library budget
- Adaptation of structures and procedures in your library to ensure that the JCSP students derive maximum benefit from the library project.
- Participating in, and contributing to, the research of the JCSP Demonstration Library Project including collection and collation of research information.
- Drawing up a Library Policy and a Library Development Plan to meet the needs of your particular school.
- Monitoring and evaluating library-based projects on an ongoing basis and producing written reports on same on a monthly basis.
- Management and administration of the Scooter library management system
- Supporting the implementation of JCSP initiatives, exhibitions and projects.
- Attending Project related meetings.
- Participating in and supporting the development of the JCSP profiling process.
- Participating in the drawing up and implementation of in-service programmes and materials related to the JCSP Demonstration Library Project as required.
The duties and responsibilities of School Librarians under the JCSP Demonstration Library Project may vary in accordance with emerging needs and development of the Project as determined by the Department of Education, the City of Dublin Education and Training Board and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).
The salary scale will be linked to the local authority Grade VI (Executive Librarian) scale.
Garda vetting will apply.
For informal enquiries please contact Kathleen Moran, Senior Project Librarian
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 6th August 2021. Applications should be made by email to seniorlibrarian@jcsplibraries.ie and should include a cover letter, current CV and written references (if available).
Interviews for this position will take place during the week beginning August 9th and the start date will be mid to late August.
