Library Director, Buckingham Browne & Nichols Upper School, Cambridge, MA
Posted April 13, 2022
Description:
BB&N is seeking a Director of the Library for its Upper School campus:
- To ensure that students, faculty, and staff are effective users of ideas and information
- To empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information
- To instill a love of learning in all students and ensure equitable access to information
- To collaborate with classroom teachers and specialists to design and implement lessons and units of instruction, and assess student learning and instructional effectiveness
The Director creates an environment where collaboration and creative problem solving thrive. As an information specialist, the Director provides expertise in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of information resources and technologies in all formats, as well as expertise in the ethical use of information. The Director demonstrates his or her role as a visible and active member of the school community and a professional member of the school library team by:
- collaborating with teachers and students to design and teach engaging inquiry and learning experiences and assessments that incorporate multiple literacies and foster critical thinking; this includes but is not limited to class research instruction and one-on-one appointments
- supervising the librarian, part-time library assistant, and archivist
- managing the library’s budget
- contributing to an environment that is conducive to active, participatory learning and resource-based instructional practices
- contributing to tasks and projects related to all elements of the library program
- maintaining active memberships in professional associations
- providing readers’ advisory to students and faculty as requested
- remaining current in professional practices and developments, information technologies, and educational research applicable to school library programs
- encouraging the use of instructional technology to engage students and improve learning, providing 24/7 access to digital information resources for the entire learning community
- joining with teachers and others to plan and implement meaningful experiences that will promote a love of reading and lifelong learning
- modeling effective strategies for developing multiple literacies
- understanding copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property, and assisting users with their understanding and observance of the same
- participating in the development and maintenance of a collection of resources appropriate to the curriculum, the learners, and the teaching styles and instructional strategies used within the school community
- cooperating and networking with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to provide access to resources outside the school
- sharing expertise by presenting at faculty meetings, parent meetings, and board meetings
As a fully integrated Community Member, the Director will also be involved in the School’s community events and serve as an advisor to a small group of students. Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or from a Master’s level program in library and information studies accredited or recognized by the appropriate national body of another country.) A highly qualified candidate will also hold appropriate state certification as a school librarian and have completed a teacher preparation program and/or educational degree.
Additionally, the Director will have a:
- Passion for working with adolescents
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive community
- Up-to-date knowledge of information literacy practices and instruction
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the BB&N community
- Willingness to work on a team in a collaborative department
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, their families, and colleagues
- Enthusiasm for fostering an environment of creativity, innovation, and openness to new ideas
How to Apply:
Please upload your Cover Letter, Resume, Personal Statement, and/or Teaching Philosophy and Reference List. Please include your connection to BB&N’s mission and values in your cover letter.