Lower School Librarian- Grade K-3 (Rev.04142023)

Job Details
Job Location
Lower/Middle School - Nashville, TN
Position Type
Full Time - 10 mth ee / Exempt
Education Level
Accredited 4-year Bachelor Degree
Position Description and Qualifications
Job Posting Summary:
The Lower School librarian ensures that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information and empowers students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. The librarian instills a love of learning in all students and ensures equitable access to information. Through collaboration with classroom teachers, the librarian designs and implements lessons and units of instruction that foster a love for reading in all students with exposure to multiple literacies.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth's Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth's Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
• Library Management
  • Selection and inventory of materials and equipment
  • Circulation policy (hours, fines, length of checkout)
  • Implement and ensure the maintenance of an automated library system
  • Manage an annual budget as approved by the board
  • Supervise volunteers and provide any training as needed
  • Maintain a policy for media complaints

• Library Liaison

• Promote library services, inform faculty and students of available library resources
• Organize library activities to promote reading and effective use of technology for
• integration in lessons
• Work with peers in successful collaboration for learning
• Sit on relevant committees to coordinate and consult with faculty as to their needs in implementing the curriculum
• Attend any other meetings as requested by the Head of School

• Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Collection Management

• Select and organize the acquisition of library materials, such as books, periodicals, and other print and non-print materials
• Catalog or arrange for the cataloging of materials
• Ensure the library materials
• Arrange for the regular inventory of the collection
• Provide a regular overview of the content and relevance of the collection to the curriculum of the school
• Rotate, remove and replace books as needed determined by usage and relevance

• Services
  • Arrange for library orientations
  • Arrange for and participate in library/information skill instruction by building on prior knowledge and constructing new knowledge
  • Serve as a resource person to students and teachers
  • Collaborate with teachers and students to design and teach engaging inquiry and learning experiences that incorporate multiple literacies and foster critical thinking
  • Aid students and teachers in material selection
  • Understand copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property, and assist users with this concept
  • Supports students' success by guiding them in reading for understanding, for exposure to diversity of viewpoints and genres, and for pleasure

• Professional Development

• Keep informed of, and research, new books for children
• Remain current in professional practices and developments, information technologies, and educational research applicable to school library programs
• Maintain active memberships in professional associations
• Use strategic planning for the continuous improvement of the program

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Experience:

• Education - Bachelor's in Education, Master's Preferred
• Knowledge of library circulation and children's literature
• Technical competency - Intermediate understanding and ability to use computers and technology including (e.g., Google, Microsoft Windows and Office products, basic office equipment, projectors, mechanical equipment, etc.)
• Communication - Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumni, volunteers, and the public.
• Personal characteristics - Adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, problem-solving skills, loyalty, and congeniality are essential.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification
• Continued Education Programs (as required by Grade Level and/or position) - Periodically participate in different training sessions identified by you, the employee and/or Divisional Leadership/Supervisor with the goal of keeping our teachers and staff up to date with current teaching methods, practices and any new knowledge in their respective field. Depending on the program, such training may need to take place outside of normal working hours and/or in the summer months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Conditions/climate -Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate, Frequently works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
• Vision - Regularly uses close and distance vision, Works at a computer screen for extended periods of time, Ability to observe students from various distances
• Movement- Occasionally/frequently required to move around the office/classroom, Works at a desk for extended periods of time, frequently positions oneself to work with small children on the floor, frequently moves around campus, etc.
• Lifting -Ability to frequently move items/students weighing up to 30/50 lbs. across the classroom
• Mental - Sometimes works in an occasionally stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts, Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
• Flexibility - Ability to occasionally work flexible hours to support before and after-school or weekend events
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Application Requirements:
Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter and résumé. Contact caponih@ensworth.com with any questions.
About Ensworth School:
Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.
Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls approximately 1,200 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school's challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.
Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.
It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.