Assistant Librarian, The Frederick Gunn School, (Washington, CT)
Posted January 12, 2023
Description
The Frederick Gunn School, founded in 1850, is a co-ed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 as well as a post-graduate year. Mr. Gunn had a deep appreciation for the natural world, believing that in nature students understand themselves as humans and their place in the world. He took a principled stand against slavery and spurred students (and the town at large) to examine their beliefs. In addition to the habits and skills students will need in college and life beyond, we teach them to follow Mr. Gunn’s example: to cultivate wisdom, to be trailblazers, to act with conviction, and to value character as highly as intellect and achievement.
Our continuous focus on moral character development intentionally engages all members of our school in the work of creating an inclusive and equitable living and learning ecosystem. Community and citizenship are at the heart of our aspiration to both social justice and academic excellence, with individual diversity integral to the strength of that community. When we embrace difference and pursue school life with respect, equity, and compassion, we build a foundation for engaged citizens.
In keeping with the tenets of our founder Frederick Gunn, who was himself a prominent abolitionist and progressive educator, The Frederick Gunn School seeks to provide a pluralistic learning environment for all inclusive of (but not limited to): culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, learning differences, physical difference, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.
We invite applicants who resonate with our mission and who will foster an environment of cultural and intellectual richness and an active participant in advancing equity and inclusion.
Summary
The Frederick Gunn School seeks an enthusiastic and collaborative individual to join the Tisch Family Library team. The successful candidate will work with students and faculty in a fast-paced environment to ensure the library supports and enhances the academic goals of the school. The Assistant Librarian will embrace education and library technology, respond to students with patience and empathy, and help instill the values of lifelong learning.
Essential Functions / Responsibilities
● Provide circulation, reference and research assistance.
● Oversee library web presence including online instructional material, databases, and other relevant content created for the FGS community.
● Follow best practices and trends in libraries, including library technology, to recommend and implement innovative services, practices, resources, and technologies.
● Teach information literacy sessions and collaborate with faculty to meet curricular needs.
● Participate in the development and implementation of outreach initiatives.
● Participate in professional development activities.
● Identify and select materials for purchase that meet curricular needs, enhance student learning and promote lifelong reading habits.
● Assist with troubleshooting in house technology. Refer problems to the IT team as needed.
● Provide supervision of the library study hall in the evenings, Sunday through Thursday.
● Possible coaching and advising opportunities available for the right candidate.
● Position will actively support school and residential life activities.
Qualifications
● MLIS or MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program is strongly preferred. Candidates may also be enrolled in an MLS program.
● Knowledge of principles and practices of professional library work.
● Currency and fluency with technology trends in libraries.
● Strong technical and digital skills, including familiarity with integrated library systems and LibGuides.
● School library education, training, background, and/or experience preferred.
● Excellent presentation and instruction skills. Experience teaching information literacy and research competencies preferred..
● Close attention to detail and ability to work in a noisy, user-centered environment.
● Positive attitude towards adolescents.
● Work environment is that of a typical library, with occasional moderate to heavy lifting of books and other materials.
How to Apply
This position is a 10-month, full-time, exempt opening. Salary is competitive, and the employment package consists of excellent benefits, including outstanding health and dental coverage and
retirement plan. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (references will not be contacted without notifying you) to the Director of Library and Archives, Moira Conlan at [email protected]. Application materials are being accepted now, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview on a rolling basis.