Middle and Upper School Librarian

Middle and Upper School Librarian

Reports to: Director of Libraries

William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all gender, pre-K-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is “that of God” in every person. A school that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators, and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

POSITION SUMMARY

The full-time (10-month) Middle and Upper School Librarian will co-teach information literacy skills and promote a lifelong love of reading in grades 6-12. Additionally, they will partner with Middle and Upper School faculty to promote school library use, research, and reading within the Penn Charter community and work collaboratively with other members of the Library department. Applicants must possess a Master’s in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program and have at least 3-5 years of school library experience, working with Middle and Upper School students. 

The successful candidate will embrace student-centered pedagogy, model curiosity, foster critical thinking skills and historical understanding, demonstrate a desire for professional growth, and be willing to work collaboratively with colleagues. Additionally, they will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in their teaching practice and in building relationships. The librarian works in partnership with other members of the department to create a Library that is the intellectual heart and research center of the middle and upper school. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is desirable. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proactively partner with division teachers to develop and teach middle and upper grade level research instruction and build research skills as outlined in Penn Charter Library program’s scope and sequence. 
• Flexibly schedule classes for research and reading projects as well as meet with students one-on-one for specific guidance on research projects.  
• Create and update resource guides and multi-format tutorials that assist students with finding materials in the print and digital collection and equip students with best search practices for research.
• Recommend developmentally appropriate literature to students, teachers, and families/caregivers. 
• Develop and select materials for a diverse library collection that reflects Penn Charter's Quaker mission, curriculum, current trends in technology, and the highest standards in literature.
• Consult with the Library Administrative Assistant to enhance the catalog records of new material to ensure accessibility by all Library users. 
• Ease with technology (including online library catalog and databases, LibGuides, office computer software, projection software, use of iPads and laptops, and basic technology troubleshooting)
• Review and assess annually, the statistical use of the databases provided by Penn Charter Libraries for students and faculty research, and make corresponding recommendations for continued use of the platforms, suggested new offerings, or the discontinuation of resources based on usage data. 
• Attend divisional department meetings to promote Library resources and usage, and to spark collaboration with different teachers in their content area.  
• Participate in ongoing professional development through workshops and collaboration with peer librarians.  
• Assist with supervising students who use the Library space throughout and after the academic day.
• Exemplify a creative, enthusiastic, and innovative approach with a high level of organization and self-initiative.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Division Directors, the Director of Libraries or their designee.

Competencies:

• Demonstrates experience in teaching research and information literacy skills.
• Demonstrates knowledge of young adult and adult literature.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of library best practices, including library technologies.
• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both in their approach to the work and in building relationships with students, faculty, and other community members.
• Excellent sense of humor and an appreciation for working with young adults and adolescents.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry at least 30 pounds
• Ability to walk, stand, sit on the floor, or kneel for extended periods of time

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Library or Information Science
• 4 years of experience in middle and/or upper school librarianship

Salary and benefits  

William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.