Lower School Librarian

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As a Lower School Librarian, you will join the Lower School Head Librarian to foster a love of reading, inquiry, research, and lifelong learning among younger students. In this role, you provide age-appropriate research instruction, curate a dynamic and inclusive collection, nurture a lifelong love of reading, and maintain a welcoming library environment that supports engagement and curiosity.

For our part, Westminster stands ready to support you with exceptional resources, including a Center for Teaching that provides workshops, cohorts, coaching, travel grants, and resources to help you be your best. At Westminster, you are more than just an academic expert; you make a difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and families – and they, in turn, make a difference in yours.

Supervisor: Head of Lower School

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Status:  Salaried, Exempt, Full-time, 10-month

Work Hours: Typical hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work may be required. 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

• Experience working with children in an educational setting

• Demonstrated knowledge of and success with:

  • Integrated Library Systems

  • Children’s literature

  • Teaching developmentally appropriate research skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• ALA-Accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or related field completed or in progress

• Prior Lower School library experience

In addition to experience and a strong educational background, successful candidates demonstrate a love of working with young learners, an engaging teaching style, the ability to partner with parents and colleagues, and a willingness to create and promote an inclusive learning environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction and Student Engagement

• Develop curriculum and provide instruction for approximately 500 lower school students on a weekly basis, including instruction on:

  • Research skills

  • Digital citizenship

  • Information literacy

  • Responsible technology use

• Foster a deep love of reading through whole school programming, small group instruction, and one-on-one curation to “find just the right book”

• Collaborate with over 75 Lower School teachers to:

  • Integrate library resources into the curriculum

  • Support interdisciplinary projects

• Promote a thriving reading culture through engaging programming, including:

  • Book talks

  • Reading challenges

  • Author visits

  • Themed displays and programs

Collection Management

• Select, evaluate, and maintain an inclusive, diverse, and developmentally appropriate collection

• Catalog and process new materials using AccessIt

• Maintain accurate catalog records

• Weed outdated or damaged materials

Library Operations

• Maintain open library during normal school hours, typically 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

• Manage circulation and access services

• Support student use of library space

• Supervise volunteers as needed

• Repair and maintain materials

• Assist with resource sharing and interlibrary support

Collaboration & Community

• Build positive relationships with Students, Faculty, and Parents

• Participate in school life through Events and Committees

• Remain current with ALA and other industry best practices through continued professional learning

Technology & Resources

• Support the use of online databases and digital research tools

• Stay current on educational technology and best practices in librarianship

Other Duties

• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and operations of the School.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to become certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions and frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces.  The work environment is often noisy.

Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day.  Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required and is associated mainly with planned events, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Driving a Westminster vehicle may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.  It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state, and local laws.  EOE//F/D/V.