Librarian

Job title: Librarian

Location: UWC Changshu China

Working pattern: Full-time
Duration of contract: Fixed-term contract

Application deadline:  31 March 2026

Start date: 1 August 2026

Enquiries: [email protected]

View other vacancies at UWC Changshu China

Founded in 2015 as the first UWC in mainland China and the 15th in the world, UWC Changshu China offers a challenging and transformative educational experience in a multicultural environment. Co-curricular programmes and community living provide excellent opportunities for experiential learning. Students are encouraged to live up to UWC values of international understanding, mutual responsibility and respect, idealism, action and personal example. Students develop understanding and skills for conflict resolution and to address issues of sustainability.

As an IB World School, UWC Changshu China offers a high-quality two-year IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and a one-year foundation programme for students to be better prepared for the rigorous IB Diploma Programme. All students from 100 countries and regions of diverse backgrounds board at the school and immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture, social entrepreneurship and environmental activism programmes.

At full capacity, UWC Changshu China will have 631 students: 144 students in the Pre-DP year and 487 students in the IB Diploma Programme years.

Most of the students will be competitively selected by UWC national committees and many will receive needs-based scholarships to represent their region or country at UWC Changshu China. A pre-defined limited number of students will be admitted directly to the school based on UWC selection criteria.

As of academic year 2017, UWC Changshu China currently consists of 562 students from 95 countries and regions.

UWC Changshu China is looking for an experienced and committed Librarian, reporting to the Vice Principal (Academics).

The Librarian is an important connector of people, services, and information at UWC Changshu, responsible for guiding discovery within and beyond the curriculum. As a faculty member, the Librarian also shares responsibility for supporting a unique, student-centred learning environment in which we pursue the UWC mission to make “education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.”

Responsibilities

Collection development and management

• Manage the selection, acquisition, cataloguing, and circulation of the library collection appropriate to a diverse, multilingual, university preparatory programme.
• Curate reading recommendations for the school community.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for collections (physical and digital) as well as the library facility.
• Collect data and report periodically on the use of various library resources, programmes, and services.
• Cooperate and network with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to provide access to resources outside the school.
• Promote a culture of a love of reading, learning, and exploration.
• Guide individual community members to locate physical and online resources relevant to their interests and school-related (study or teaching) needs.
• Plan events and programmes that encourage community members to read and explore.

Research and academic integrity

• Partner with faculty colleagues across all academic departments to align research expectations, approaches, and ensure adequate alignment with library resources.
• Lead faculty and students in promoting the highest standards of academic integrity through the appropriate use of citations, including the use of shared resources such as NoodleTools.
• Chair the committee engaged in the periodic review of the school’s academic integrity policy.
• Promote digital literacy and responsible use in partnership with individual teachers, departments, and in supporting the development of relevant school policies.
• Collaborate with colleagues, including the Head of Educational Technology, to identify digital tools that can promote intellectual and creative discovery.
• Understand copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property, and assist the community in adhering to these principles.

Teaching and learning

• The Librarian may have teaching responsibilities in the Foundation or Diploma Programmes in the areas of Theory of Knowledge, Peace & Sustainability, or in another subject area appropriate to their expertise.
• Provide and plan professional learning opportunities within the school for and with faculty, including members of the library team.
• Onboard and provide ongoing supervision and support for staff and student library volunteers.
• Utilise anonymous survey tools to collect data on community member engagement with library services and programmes.
• Align the library goals with the UWC movement and the school’s vision and strategy.
• Help to build a positive sense of community among faculty, staff, and students.
• Effectively navigate intercultural differences and model genuine international-mindedness.

Advising and the residential programme

• As advisors, faculty members are responsible for a group of students whom they monitor and support in all aspects of school life. Advisors meet with their advisees regularly, both individually and as a group, forming an essential component of the student support system. Advisors prepare periodic reports on the students’ academic progress, involvement in co-curricular activities and social and personal qualities. Advisors also contribute to the running of the residential programme through affiliation with a House: by doing regular check-ins and participating in House activities. Beyond the formal duties, advising is a rewarding element of our close-knit residential school community. Advisors are supported as part of a team, including a professional social-emotional counsellor, the head of house, and the school leadership.
• All faculty members support the supervision and mentorship our unique, student-driven co-curricular programmes. Every effort is made to match faculty interest with student initiative. The equivalent of two afternoons a week involvement on average is the typical expectation.
• There are a number of special events and activities during the year in which staff participate, including student orientation, Project Week, and Special Topics Days. Key elements of our school’s operation, including cultural events, student recruitment, and professional learning, all rely on voluntary faculty support. As a residential learning community, we share a common commitment to contributing our time, energy, and expertise wherever we can. Faculty members work intensively during the time that school is in session, and, in return, benefit from a deeply rewarding connection with students and colleagues and generous school breaks.

Skills and preferred experience

MLIS or equivalent degree in library or information science is strongly preferred; we are open to candidates with other credentials, provided they have significant library experience. At least 2 years of experience with libraries (community, secondary school, or university).

Safeguarding and inclusivity

UWC Changshu is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices, which are aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and successful references.

The school is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We actively encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability.

How to apply

Please email the following to [email protected] and indicate the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (with three references)