Lower School Librarian

POSITION OVERVIEW The Lower School Librarian plays a vital role in fostering a love of reading, inquiry, and lifelong learning among younger students. This position supports the instructional program by partnering with teachers, providing age-appropriate research instruction, curating a dynamic and inclusive collection, nurturing a lifelong love of reading, and maintaining a welcoming library environment that supports engagement and curiosity. Supervisor: Head of Lower School Supervisory Responsibilities: None Position Status: Salaried, Exempt, Full-time, 10-month Work Hours: Typical hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work may be required. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a successful candidate. Required • Bachelor’s degree • Experience working with children in an educational setting • Demonstrated knowledge of and success with: • Integrated Library Systems • Children’s literature • Teaching developmentally appropriate research skills • Ability to collaborate effectively • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills Preferred • ALA-Accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or related field • Prior Lower School library experience In addition to experience and a strong educational background, successful candidates demonstrate a love of working with young learners, an engaging teaching style, the ability to interact well with parents and colleagues, and a willingness to create and promote an inclusive learning environment. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Instruction and Student Engagement • Develops curriculum and provides instruction for approximately 500 lower school students on a weekly basis, including instruction on: • Research skills • Digital citizenship • Information literacy • Responsible technology use • Fosters a deep love of reading through whole school programming, small group instruction, and one-on-one curation to “find just the right book” • Collaborates with over 75 teachers to: • Integrate library resources into the curriculum • Support interdisciplinary projects • Promotes a thriving reading culture through engaging programming, including: • Book talks • Reading challenges • Author visits • Themed displays and programs Collection Management • Selects, evaluates, and maintains an inclusive, diverse, and developmentally appropriate collection • Catalogs and processes new materials using AccessIt • Maintains accurate catalog records • Weeds out outdated or damaged materials Library Operations • Maintains open library during normal school hours, typically 7:30 am - 4:00 pm • Manages circulation and access services • Supports student use of library space • Supervises volunteers as needed • Repairs and maintains materials • Assists with resource sharing and interlibrary support Collaboration & Community • Builds positive relationships with Students, Faculty, and Parents • Participates in school life through Events and Committees • Remains current with ALA and other industry best practices through continued professional learning Technology & Resources • Supports the use of online databases and digital research tools • Stays current on educational technology and best practices in librarianship Other Duties • Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and operations of the School Additionally, successful candidates will demonstrate: • a student-centered mindset and a love of working with Lower School students • the ability to build partnerships with parents and colleagues • flexibility and adaptability with strong interpersonal skills • the ability to create and promote an inclusive learning environment • enthusiasm, flexibility, and a cooperative spirit