Performance appraisals

Teachers planning their inquiry.

A performance appraisal is an opportunity for library staff to discuss their work and achievements. It focuses on how you're supporting teaching and learning, as well as how you're helping to develop successful and sustainable library services.

The appraisal process

Early each year you meet with your appraiser to:

  • set performance objectives that align with your school's annual targets

  • agree on how you'll measure progress — sometimes called 'setting performance measures'

  • work out any support, training or resources you need to meet the objectives

  • set a date to review progress — usually later in the year.

Throughout the year your appraiser should offer regular feedback and make sure you have all the training, support and resources you need to meet your objectives. Sometimes you'll meet half way through the year for a 'mini' or informal review. This is an opportunity to check in and work out if you need any further support.

There are many different formats for performance appraisals. Appraisers often use the same format across the whole school. Our template is one option for recording the performance appraisal process.

School library performance appraisal template (docx, 107KB)

Collecting and presenting information for your appraisal

During the year you should keep a record of successful collaborations, achievements, objectives you've accomplished, commendations and any professional development you do. You can present this information in a range of formats including:

  • photos or video clips

  • anecdotal notes

  • a reflection journal

  • statistical data

  • examples of feedback from students or other library users

  • samples of communications, such as newsletters or blog posts.

Appraisal review meetings

Before your appraisal review meeting, conduct a self-review of your progress. This review identifies:

  • which objectives you've met

  • which should be carried over to the next year, and

  • whether you need extra training, support or resources to achieve your objectives.

Take this information to the appraisal review meeting, along with your current job description and the evidence of your accomplishments.

At the meeting you'll discuss with your appraiser:

  • the progress you've made towards achieving your objectives

  • evidence of your successes — particularly the impact you're making on teaching and learning, and the development of library services

  • objectives that should be carried over to the next year, and

  • any related training and resourcing you need.

Related content

Job descriptions
Your school library team

School libraries
Performance appraisals