Reports To: Director of the John Gray Park '28 Library
Level: Full time, Academic Year (40 weeks)
Supervises: Students one evening/week
Function:
The John Gray Park ‘28 Library at Kent School seeks a Research
Librarian to serve as a primary point of contact for student research at
Kent and faculty research support.
Background:
Kent School is a coeducational independent boarding school enrolling
520 students in grades 9-12. Our mission is to educate students
intellectually, socially, ethically, and spiritually so that they will
be prepared to contribute to the common good in the world beyond Kent
School.
General Description: The person in
this position has a deep understanding of the landscape of scholarly
resources both traditional and emerging. They will promote research and
academic integrity strategies through individual and group instruction
and school-wide programming, and help manage the continued development
of a robust student tutoring program. They will assist with supervision
of students in the library generally, and specifically one evening per
week when school is in session.
Librarians on staff typically
teach a required class in study skills and research methods, create and
deliver instruction in research practices and resources on an individual
and whole-class basis, and facilitate project work in the library and
in classrooms. They participate in ongoing collection development of
both print and digital materials and promotion of same though
programming and curation of digital guides for students and teachers.
The successful candidate is looking for the opportunity to promote
curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and broaden the horizons of
young people in a rigorous academic environment. You genuinely enjoy
working with teenagers, faculty members, and staff across the
institution. You are excited about introducing students to the world of
scholarship and research, and appreciate the uniquely creative
opportunities provided by the boarding school setting. The benefits of
summers off, free tasty lunches provided in our dining hall, and not
having coaching or dormitory responsibilities are all appealing to you.
Qualifications:
We are looking for someone who will contribute positively to a library
environment that is welcoming, supportive, and evolving. Someone who
embraces educational technology and efficiency while also responding to
students with patience and understanding. Someone with experience
working to support the learning goals set by teachers in a variety of
disciplines. Someone with an appetite for novel project formats and the
dynamic environment provided by working with teenagers, who wants to
work on a library team that shares all the qualities noted here.
Specifically, you should have: A strong desire to learn about Kent’s
mission, values, and culture. Excellent personal time management skills,
a flexible approach, and lots of energy. An aptitude for processes and
procedures within a team environment. Comfort with the Google Workspace
suite, LibGuides, Canvas (or other LMS; Kent is adopting Canvas in
2022), and other related tools, or an aptitude for learning new
technology. An MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited program, or a
related degree and previous library experience, with preference given to
those who have worked previously in an independent school. We are also
open to applications from teachers with relevant experience who are
seeking to transition from full time teaching and motivated to
reconfigure.
Physical Requirements: Primarily
an office/classroom environment with regular handling of dusty print
materials and need to move to locations across our campus. Able to bend,
stoop, reach, push, pull, climb, kneel, and lift a loaded book-sized
box.
Additional Requirements: Successful
completion of post-offer pre-employment criminal background checks and
drug test. Maintain punctual and regular attendance. Limited remote
component under normal circumstances. Work is performed on a smoke free
campus.
The essential functions and basic skills for this
position have been included. This is not intended to be construed as an
exclusive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and
abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by
supervisors as deemed appropriate.
Kent School is committed
to making equal employment opportunities available to all qualified
persons. In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, we recruit,
hire, promote and evaluate all personnel without regard to race, color,
religion, age, gender, ancestry, citizen status, veteran status,
physical or mental handicaps, sexual orientation, or any other factors
protected by law. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups
are encouraged to apply.
Compensation: Based on experience.
To Apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a short cover letter and resume to Director of the JGP Library Amy Voorhees: voorheesa@kent-school.edu. Please include your name and “Research Librarian” in the subject line.
Please see the full job posting HERE.
