Director of Libraries

Summary

Canterbury School, an esteemed, independent college-preparatory institution, seeks an accomplished individual to assume the role of Director of Libraries, overseeing the Hilliard Library, which serve the Lower School (PreK-4) and the Ellenberg Library, which serves the Middle School (grades 5-8) and the Upper School (grades 9-12). 

This position plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading across all divisions. This individual will design and deliver engaging and age-appropriate lessons, including storytimes with a focus on early literacy development, fingerplays, nursery rhymes, songs, fairy tales, and folktales. The ideal candidate will possess an MLS from an ALA-accredited institution, a commitment to the right to read, and have extensive knowledge of and passion for children’s, tween, and teen books. The director will lead a newly renovated Ellenberg Library and the Hilliard Library by curating diverse collections, collaborating with faculty, and guiding students in their research endeavors. 

This is a 10-month position, paid over 12 months, with a week off at Thanksgiving, two over the winter holidays, one week off in February, and one week off at Spring Break. Summer Break typically starts around Memorial Day and the Director of Libraries would return from Break shortly after the beginning of August when school starts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision and Collaboration:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the growth and development of the Canterbury School libraries.
• Provide leadership in establishing and maintaining library policies and procedures that align with the school's educational objectives.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate library resources into the curriculum and support research initiatives across all grade levels.

Collection Development and Management:

• Evaluate, select, organize, and manage both physical and digital library resources for diverse age groups and curricular needs.
• Ensure the availability of age-appropriate materials and databases to support teaching and learning in the Lower, Middle, and Upper School divisions.
• Oversee the acquisition, cataloging, and maintenance of library materials, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive collection.

Instruction and Support:

• Develop engaging and age-appropriate library classes and activities, including storytimes, research classes, and instruction on library resources.
• Provide readers' advisory services to students, faculty, and families, promoting reading and literacy initiatives.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide materials and support for lesson plans and curriculum integration, fostering information literacy skills among students.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Support reading initiatives and promote a culture of reading and lifelong learning within the school community.
• Collaborate with division directors, faculty, and administrators to identify and address academic resource needs.
• Engage with parents and volunteers to support library initiatives and programming, fostering a sense of community within the library space.

Administration and Operations:

• Ensure the efficient operation of library services, including circulation, inventory management, and maintenance of library facilities.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics of library operations, compiling essential data for reporting purposes.
• Coordinate with vendors and IT administrators to ensure uninterrupted access to digital resources and technology, staying abreast of emerging library technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience in library management or a related field, preferably in an educational setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Passion for promoting reading and literature across diverse age groups.
• Knowledge of information literacy principles and library instruction techniques.
• Familiarity with MARC records, bibliographic data, and library cataloging standards.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Canterbury’s Head of School, Rick Kirschner, at rkirschner@canterburyfortmyers.org. Alternatively, applications can be submitted HERE. Review of applications will be on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled with a qualified candidate.