Upper School Library

The Harker School•San Jose, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a creative and collaborative member of our teaching faculty to teach information literacy skills across the disciplines and contribute to a thriving library program at one of the nation’s top college prep schools The upper school librarian performs professional tasks associated with developing and maintaining a print and digital collection to support the curriculum as well as promoting pleasure reading among teens. As a member of a 4-campus library system that is resourced with over 90 subscription database products, robust eBook access, and other electronic tools and resources, our eight librarians empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. The Upper School librarian works in coordination with the library director, the electronic resource librarian and other teaching librarians at Harker to support student learning and research by developing, managing, and delivering high-quality teaching, library services and resources. The librarian partners with faculty and students to advance information literacy, research skills, and academic inquiry, while curating collections that align with curricular and institutional priorities. This role combines instructional support, research consultation, collection development, and stewardship of physical and digital resources, with an emphasis on inclusive access, emerging technologies, and evolving scholarly practices. To learn more about The Harker School, please visit our website: www.Harker.org

Requirements

An MLS, MLIS, or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Teaching experience in a school library environment that provides an opportunity for robust collaboration with faculty in support of children or young adults
Experience implementing robust library programming
Experience supporting the management of a department budget
Significant experience facilitating professional development for faculty and staff
Participation in campus committees and programs
Knowledge of literature and current trends in library/media practice and information technology
Knowledge of the school’s program and student information needs within that program.
Knowledge of resources, both within and beyond the school, and how to effectively access resources
Knowledge of pedagogy and teaching best practices
Interest and ability to learn new skills
Respect for Privacy and confidentiality

Responsibilities

Develop collaboratively with the school community and implement a long-term instructional and program plan, which challenges students to research, reflect, synthesize, and produce knowledge products.
Consistently and collaboratively sets goals for all grade levels taught with a long-term program plan, and communicates Harker and division-aligned annual program goals to all stakeholders.
Provide materials and promote a reading culture that encourages and offers opportunities for all students, supporting the curriculum, reading for enjoyment, and lifelong learning.
Plan and implement a comprehensive library programming seamlessly integrated with the overall school program
Have an evaluation plan with wide-ranging evidence and a clear path for ongoing program improvement.
Incorporates various learning models to cater to the diverse needs of all students.
Sustains challenging, authentic, intellectual work for all learners
Transforms learning for rigor and relevance
Increases student library use and connects students to their interests in school and beyond
Integrates challenging resources for all learners
Create collaborative Inquiry -based research assignments with teachers
Supports instruction requiring students to research, build, and present knowledge
Use and spotlight academic vocabulary in library lessons
Build students’ knowledge through reading
Create an environment of respect and rapport in which interactions among the librarian, individual students, and classroom teachers are highly respectful, reflecting genuine warmth, care, and sensitivity to students' cultures and developmental levels, ensuring high levels of civility in the library.
Establish and maintain library procedures (for example, circulation of materials, computer use, and independent work) seamlessly, with students assuming considerable responsibility for their smooth operation.
Supporting Library Assistants to work independently and contribute to the library's success.
Organize the physical space to enable a smooth flow, making effective use of the environment and resulting in clear signage, excellent traffic flow, and adequate space for work areas and computer use. Additionally, book displays are visually appealing and inviting.
Maintain and extend a well-balanced collection across various areas in accordance with the school’s needs and within budget limitations ; select materials for the collection thoughtfully, in consultation with teaching colleagues; and periodically purge the collection of outdated materials.
Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness by continually seeking ways to improve the program and making changes as needed in response to student, parent, or teacher input.
Anticipate teacher needs when preparing requisitions and budgets, follow established procedures, and suggest improvements to those procedures. Inventories and reports are submitted on time.
Be proactive in reaching out to parents, establishing relationships with external libraries, and communicating with the broader community as you coordinate efforts for mutual benefit.
Participate in a professional community, making a substantial contribution to the school, events, and projects, and assuming leadership roles alongside colleagues.
Actively pursue professional development opportunities and make a substantial contribution to the profession through such activities as offering workshops to colleagues, educational organizations, and the librarian community at large.
Upholds the highest standards of honesty and integrity and takes a leadership role in ensuring there is no plagiarism or copyright violations.
Implement a summer pleasure Reading Program
Mentor student independent research, including participation in the Near Mitra program (Upper School Only)
Direct Annual Ogre Awards Production and Annual Book Fair (Lower School Only)
Participate in faculty and Staff Committees as times allow