[CLOSED] Director of Southworth Library, Thayer Academy, Braintree, MA
Posted April 16, 2021
Description:
The Director of the Southworth Library is responsible for the overall administration of the Upper School library and its role in the school community. The director supervises other library staff (two, plus parent volunteers) and manages the day-to-day operation of the library, including the delegation of many of the responsibilities listed below. The Director of the Southworth Library reports directly to the Upper School Director. Thayer Academy’s mission is “to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” In its hiring practices, Thayer Academy seeks candidates who come from a broad range of backgrounds and can contribute to a more diverse community, who love working with young people, who thrive when engaged in multiple arenas of school life, and who welcome professional growth.
Administration:
• Ensure that the Southworth Library is a welcoming, service oriented place.
• Establish library services, programs and operations, which support Thayer Academy’s mission.
• Evaluate programs, services, facilities and materials to ensure optimum use.
• Develop and implement library policies and procedures.
• Develop short- and long-range goals for Library services, collection, organization and staffing.
• Serve on Thayer Academy standing committees (i.e. Upper School Department Heads, Tech Committee).
• Submit annual End-of-Year Report to Headmaster and Upper School Director.
Information Services:
• Plan, create and maintain the Library’s web site, including source access for students and faculty.
• Oversee library automation program, including cataloging, circulation, and processing.
• Provide reference service to students and faculty.
• Work with OIT on maintenance and upgrades of system.
• Select and maintain materials and technology that support the school curriculum and educational philosophy.
• Evaluate, select and catalog new materials and equipment.
• Adhere to and understand the issues of Fair Use and Copyright in the distribution of materials.
• Supervise inventory of collection.
Supervisory Responsibilities
• Supervise and train library professionals and staff (2); hire new staff in collaboration with Upper School Director.
• Conduct regular staff meetings.
• Set and review departmental and individual goals annually.
• Communicate directly and regularly with staff.
• Work collaboratively with other librarians.
• Conduct evaluation of librarians; maintain current job descriptions, goal statements and evaluation process.
• Encourage staff to stay abreast of professional developments through professional reading, continuing education opportunities, and conference attendance.
Instructional Services
• Provide individual and group instruction on library use, research skills, and responsible use of information.
• Collaborate with faculty to improve students’ information literacy skills.
• Encourage use of critical thinking skills.
• Foster intellectual curiosity and a love of reading in students.
• Promote use of diverse information sources and teach the appropriateness of each.
• Help faculty in all departments to design and evaluate research assignments.
• Manage Research Curriculum Map with an aim toward expanding level of research performed at Thayer Academy.
• Provide feedback to division heads/department heads concerning information and research instruction and student competency. Suggest areas that need improvement and recommend solutions.
Financial Responsibilities
• Prepare and administer budget that reflects the needs of the school community.
• Supervise purchase of books, periodicals, and equipment.
• Plan for future needs of Library with regard to technological equipment, furniture, space, and services.
Professional Duties
• Act as departmental leader by staying abreast of technological and professional developments.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, classes, and conferences and stay current with professional journals.
• Participate in professional activities, organizations and conferences.
• Cooperate with graduate schools to provide practicum and intern experiences, if possible.
Personal Qualities
• Develops good, working relationships with all members of the Thayer community: students, faculty/staff, and parents.
• Welcomes challenges and is willing to learn and grow.
• Exhibits flexibility and a team-oriented style.
• Has a good sense of humor and enjoys working with young people.
Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Library Sciences or Library and Information Sciences
• 5-7 years of library leadership experience, preferably in a school setting
How to Apply:
[CLOSED] Interested candidates should send a cover letter and a resume to R. Highley Thompson, Upper School Director ([email protected])