Website Menlo School
Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in Atherton, California, and established in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.
Menlo is dedicated to providing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by outstanding creative arts and athletic programs. The School helps students develop positive values and nurtures character development in a supportive environment that upholds the highest moral and ethical standards. Our program encourages students to reach their fullest potential and to develop the skills necessary to respond intelligently and humanely to the complexities of a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.
At Menlo School, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our organizational identity. Through our daily efforts, the School demonstrates a shared commitment to the development of all stakeholders by supporting a campus ethos where equity, diversity, and inclusion reflect the major cornerstones of our community.
The position:
Menlo School seeks an energetic, creative individual to lead a vibrant, student-centered middle and upper school library that is well integrated into the academic and social life of the school. This position is available starting in the summer of 2022. The library was remodeled in 2017 and houses a large collection of resources located in a bright and airy space that offers a variety of study, collaboration and relaxation options for students and faculty.
In this full-time, year-round position, the Head Librarian is responsible for the overall administration of the library program including daily operation, information literacy instruction, collection assessment, purchasing, maintenance of the library website, and integration of the library into the life of the school. The Head Librarian oversees two staff members and a number of parent volunteers, and reports to the Director of the Upper School.
The Head Librarian will:
Cultivate a safe and inclusive learning environment where all members of the Menlo School community feel welcome
Collaborate with teachers to plan and deliver research instruction across grades 6-12
Discuss books and make reading recommendations for readers from grade 6 through adult
Maintain and develop the library’s extensive collection of print and online resources
Bring an innovative mindset to the position
Manage the annual library budget
Maintain and develop the library’s website and other online presences
Engage with large numbers of teens with humor and warmth
Attend and participate in school events and activities
Enjoy the fun of working in a community that truly values the library
Lead an advisory group of ten students, chaperone student events, attend faculty meetings, and attend department meetings as needed.
Skills needed:
Ability to teach all aspects of the research process in a variety of subject areas
Understanding of principles of information literacy, copyright and ethical use of information resources
Avid reader with a broad knowledge of young adult fiction
Above average technology skills, including course management applications, Google Docs, etc.
Functional understanding of library circulation systems and cataloging
Ability to multitask, accommodate interruptions, and be flexible
Comfort with online website design tools, or the willingness to learn
An ideal candidate will be an experienced educator who enjoys working with teens to develop information literacy and critical thinking skills, is comfortable working collaboratively with faculty, and who is invested in their own professional development in the ever-changing field of library science.
Education and experience requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is required and a master’s degree in Library/Information Science with a focus on school libraries is strongly preferred. We require a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a school library position.
We offer:
An exceptional work environment and caring community
Excellent professional development opportunities
Highly competitive salary
A comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families
Generous employer contributions to 403(b) retirement plan
Free lunch on campus when school is in session
On-campus child care center
Many other perks and benefits
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
The job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment, but there may be possible exposure to childhood diseases and illnesses
Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities with average interior dust with occasional exposure to outdoor elements
Exposure to a normal school environment that is usually quiet but sometimes noisy
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a school employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions
Reasonable accommodation may be requested to enable individuals to perform the essential responsibilities of the job:
Ability to sit, stand, move, communicate, manipulate art tools, speak, hear and read during the course of normal activities
Able to use computers and other tools
Able to move items weighing up to 10 pounds
Ability to think and concentrate for sustained periods of time
In-person attendance necessary to provide an effective level of performance during regular school hours
Menlo School is an Equal Opportunity Employer
