Head of the Library, The Park School, Brookline, MA

The Park School is a Pre-K to Grade 9 independent school in Brookline, MA dedicated to excellence in education.The cornerstone of Park’s program is academic excellence, combining both high standards of scholarship and the encouragement of each child to develop to his or her greatest potential. Our school community fosters a nurturing environment in which children develop curiosity, express creativity, appreciate the value of hard work and discipline, and experience the joy of learning. Park’s faculty encourages each student to strive for intellectual, physical and moral growth and to become contributing members of the community.

The Park School Library holds a central and valued place within the school as a busy site for interdisciplinary learning and the exploration of ideas. The librarians are committed to developing a collection of diverse materials; creating a welcoming, inspiring community space; and continually seeking and sharing new knowledge in the education and information fields. The Head of the Library reports to the Assistant Head of School for Program and Professional Development beginning in late August 2016. The ideal candidate will bring a history of collaborative, self-directed work, strong teaching skills, a sense of mission about the future of libraries, and experience with academic technology integration. 

• Sets priorities for highly collaborative department decision making about curriculum, program, and collection management.

• Guides and supports three talented, self-directed library specialists.

• Articulates the library’s mission and ensures that the library is deeply connected and integrated into the life of the school.

• Takes a leadership role in the promotion of school-wide information literacy; seeks up to date knowledge about standards, new research tools, and information strategies.

• Responsible for curriculum development, lesson design, and teaching Grades 5-9.

• Builds collaborative relationships with faculty and staff, with special responsibility for Upper Division (Grades 6-9).

• Designs professional development opportunities for teachers.

• Develops and maintains print and electronic collection for research and leisure reading, special focus on Grades 5-9.

• Manages library budget, oversees purchasing and maintains records, evaluates and selects vendors.

• Oversees Follett Destiny library catalog maintenance.

• With Director of Digital Communications, maintains library web page, creating online avenues to digital resources and pursuing opportunities for blended learning.

• Oversees library communications, including online news, contributions to school publications, library multimedia displays, annual reports, donor appreciation.

• Creates community learning experiences, including reading initiatives and celebrations, author visits, and hands-on learning activities.

• Demonstrates a passion for lifelong learning; pursues professional development in librarianship, education, and technology.

• Participates in the school community, including faculty and committee work, school duties, and extra activities such as clubs and assemblies.