Librarian
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’ .
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
School overview
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) is a leading British curriculum school (ages 3–18), committed to academic excellence, character development, and a holistic education. As part of the Cognita family of schools, RGSGD combines the heritage of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, UK, with a forward-thinking and ambitious educational vision.
As the senior school continues to grow, RGSGD is preparing for its first public examination cohorts, with early GCSE entries in 2026, the first full GCSE cohort in 2027, and first A Level (A2) examinations in 2029.
Job purpose
The librarian will have responsibility for the purchase, set up, stock and maintenance of an innovative, exciting and dynamic school library within RGSGD. This role will be integral in continuing to establish the library and love of reading as a central component of the school. They will provide support on the delivery of RGSGD values, learning habits and strategic vision. They will be integral in administering, promoting and maintaining a stimulating and welcoming environment in the school library and contribute to the provision of a high standard of service to meet the needs of pupils and staff and the school. As RGSGD emphasises the importance of developing the independent learning skills of our pupils, the librarian’s role is crucial in assisting with the imparting of information for literacy and research skills alongside the day-to-day running of the library.
Specific area of responsibility
This role will maintain and expand the provision as time goes on, ensuring that a love of learning, reading and research is developed. They will have oversight of all resources within the senior library, ensuring that these resources complement the British curriculum, encourage scholarship, support pupils’ wider interests and encourage reading for pleasure.
Vision, policy and practice
Develop the vision for the library within RGSGD
Inspire dynamic use of the library facilities to enhance the learning of all pupils
Ensure all policy and practice for effective library use is drafted and approved by the principal
Identification and support
Work closely with the heads of English to ensure the smooth running of the library
Work alongside teachers to embed reading within the school curriculum
Work closely with the prep librarian to ensure continuity between the two libraries and a smooth transition for pupils from prep to senior
Promote high expectations of reading and use of the library
Support classroom and subject specialist teachers in the use of the library
Oversee the implementation of evidence-based programmes of intervention for individual and small groups of pupils if needed for behavioural and pastoral reasons
Accountability
Support staff and pupils in the use of library resources
Assist with research skills and project-based work in the library and liaise with teaching staff to develop this
Organise and lead staff and pupil induction sessions
Encourage and organise pupil voice, e.g. library ambassador
Ensure the smooth day to day administration of circulation systems
Maintain a welcoming environment, with engaging displays, that is conducive to study and promotes the RGS values
Supervise, guide, inspire and assist pupils using the library and in developing independent research skills
Ensure stock selection is current, age-appropriate and aligned with UAE cultural values and KHDA requirements
Acquisition, cataloguing, processing and organisation of resources
Develop and maintain newspaper and periodicals collection as appropriate
Liaise with academic departments regarding subject specific resources, reading lists and recommendations
Organise literacy events to inspire pupils; book clubs, author visits and competitions
General responsibilities
Model the RGS values and learning habits in all language and interactions
Commitment to staff and student wellbeing, parent education and supporting the development of a strong culture of community
Comply with and demonstrate an active commitment to safeguarding policies, procedures and code of conduct
Follow all school policies, procedures and handbook
Take a proactive and professional approach to school life and professional development
Respect and maintain all aspects of professional confidentiality
Undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested
Experience
Minimum bachelor's degree in education desirable
And/or a professional qualification in librarianship, information management or information science is preferred
English speaker
British curriculum experience
Excellent presentation and communication skills
Proven track record of setting up, running and resourcing a school library provision