Library Media Specialist

Job Description
Library Media Specialist
 
Since 1964, Seattle Country Day School has been inspiring gifted children in grades K-8 to discover their potential through inquiry. Students are the center of a dynamic learning and discovery process. Experienced teachers focus on intellectual and character growth, attending to the social, ethical, and emotional needs of students. Small classes generate curiosity and innovation through inquiry learning, and provide opportunities for collaborative experiences with a curriculum rich in mathematics, science, technology, humanities, and the arts.
 
Seattle Country Day School affirms that attracting, supporting, and embracing a diverse community is critical to fulfilling its mission of educating gifted students, and seeks diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in its faculty in order to reflect the diversity inherent in a multicultural city and society. The school is committed to diversity among students, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran, military, or marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation (including gender expression/identity), and all other bases protected by applicable law.
 
Qualifications
A strong background in library sciences and technology integration, and a commitment to a student-centered learning environment are prerequisites. A minimum of five years of independent school experience and classroom teaching experience is preferred. Master’s degree or equivalent is required, library science is preferred.  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) is strongly preferred. Candidates must have demonstrated ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, and procedures, as well as creativity to develop and implement library programs and services. Knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service is required and background should include commercially available library software. Candidates must also have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively utilizing interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with all divisions and departments in the school. General management, organizational, and supervisory skills are required.
 
Description and Responsibilities
The library will serve the school ensuring students are effective users of ideas and information. The library media specialist will provide leadership and expertise to ensure that the library program is aligned with the mission, vision, and values of the school. The school library will be the source of leadership and expertise in digital information literacy, as well as the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of information resources and technologies in all formats, and in the ethical use of information. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintain and upgrade the book collection. Develop and maintain an up-to-date, culturally diverse collection of print and non-print resources appropriate  to the curriculum, the learners, the teaching styles, the instructional strategy used , and that reflect students’ interests;
• Maintain a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all library materials and instruct teachers and students in the use of the system;
• Maintain a collection of resources appropriate to the curriculum, the learrners, and the teaching styles and instructional strategies used within the school community;
• Evaluate, promote, and utilize existing and emerging technologies to support teaching and learning, supplement school resources, connect the school with the global learning community, communicate with students and teachers, and provide 24/7 access to digital information resources for the entire learning community;
• Work with teachers and students across all divisions to design and teach engaging inquiry and learning experiences and assessments that incorporate multiple literacies and foster critical thinking. Assess student learning and instructional effectiveness;
• Partner with teachers and other educators to build and strengthen connections between student information and research needs, curricular content, learning outcomes, and information resources;
• Participate in the curriculum development process to ensure that the curricula includes the full range of literacy skills (information, media, visual, digital, and technological literacy) necessary to meet content standards and to develop lifelong learners;
• Assist teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials;
• Share with the learning community collaboratively developed and up-to-date policies concerning such issues as materials selection, circulation, reconsideration of materials, copyright, privacy, and acceptable use;
• Ensure that informed, friendly assistance is available to student and faculty library users;
• Value community and bring a spirit of enthusiasm, energy, and multi-cultural awareness;
• Exhibit good communication skills (writing, spelling, listening, and speaking) with excellent interpersonal skills in the areas of creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, group planning, and decision-making processes;
• Remain current in professional practices and developments, information technologies, and educational research applicable to school library programs;
• Network and collaborate with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to provide access to resources outside the school;
• Maintain active memberships in professional associations;
• Other duties as assigned. 

Salary and Benefits
Competitive salary and excellent benefits.
 
Application Process
Applicants should download an application from www.seattlecountryday.org. Submit this completed application along with a letter of interest and resume with references to humanresources@seattlecountryday.org.
 

Qualifications
A strong background in library sciences and technology integration, and a commitment to a student-centered learning environment are prerequisites. A minimum of five years of independent school experience and classroom teaching experience is preferred. Master’s degree or equivalent is required, library science is preferred.  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) is strongly preferred. Candidates must have demonstrated ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, and procedures, as well as creativity to develop and implement library programs and services. Knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service is required and background should include commercially available library software. Candidates must also have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively utilizing interpersonal skills to maintain effective relationships with all divisions and departments in the school. General management, organizational, and supervisory skills are required.