LIBRARIAN / LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST (PART-TIME)

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•$36,260 - $68,550•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is seeking a half-time (0.5 FTE) Librarian / Library Media Specialist to help establish the school's library from its inception. This founding position involves building collections, systems, and digital resources, and providing research support. The role works alongside the Head Librarian & Capstone Chair, reporting to the Principal. The ideal candidate is a builder who can create a vibrant library space that serves as the academic town square, integrating traditional library functions with makerspace and learning game elements. The position requires a Bachelor's degree, with a Master's in Library and Information Science preferred, and emphasizes a warm, intellectually rigorous, and entrepreneurial approach to education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Master’s in Library and Information Science (ALA accredited) preferred, or coursework toward it
School, academic, or research library experience preferred
Evidence of a library, collection, or system that worked better because you built it
Systems: catalog, circulation, and digital access that hum
Collections: print and digital resources students actually use
Research Support: information literacy in daily practice
Community: the library at the center of school life

Nice To Haves

Illinois School Librarian or Library Media Specialist certification a plus
College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience is a plus
Fewer years but exceptional craft? We hire for mastery, not seat time.
Warm, Relational, and High-Performing – Kind, emotionally intelligent, intellectually rigorous, and committed to excellence.
A Builder of Libraries – Systems, collections, and spaces that actually get used.
A Research Ally – Teaches students to find, judge, and use information well.
An Entrepreneurial Builder – Thrives in ambiguity, solves problems, and creates programs, systems, and traditions from the ground up.
A Curious and Courageous Thinker – Embraces learning, evidence, critical thinking, and meaningful debate.
Rooted and Forward-Looking – Honors tradition while embracing innovation, technology, and AI.
Committed to Jewish Life and Community – Values Jewish identity, the diversity of Jewish thought, and meaningful engagement in Jewish life.
A Collaborative Culture-Builder – Balances accountability, care, and results while elevating everyone around them.

Responsibilities

Stand up and maintain the catalog, circulation, and library systems.
Build the opening-day collection, print and digital, in partnership with teachers and department chairs.
Manage digital resources, databases, and college-level access.
Keep the library space organized, welcoming, and busy across its zones.
Support the makerspace and learning-games program with training, safety, and equipment systems.
Apply the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards in daily practice.
Provide day-to-day research help to students and faculty.
Teach and co-teach information literacy: finding, evaluating, citing, and using sources with academic integrity.
Support the research demands of the school’s Capstone program.
Integrate educational technology and emerging research tools, AI included, into instruction and research support.
Contribute actively to the vibrant culture and mission of Davis School Chicago.
Help create programming that makes the library a center of school life: author visits, reading culture, learning games, and public conversation.
Cultivate a reading culture built on complete works and wide browsing.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a half-time role.
Help moderate student clubs and activities where scope allows.
Communicate clearly with students, faculty, and families about library resources and services.
Collaborate with colleagues across academic departments on research-rich, interdisciplinary assignments.
Partner with faculty and school leadership to advance school goals, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.