Librarian

Questar III BOCES; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Questar III BOCES is seeking a passionate School Librarian to manage and develop a school library into a vital learning space. The ideal candidate will promote a love of reading and lifelong learning, collaborate with faculty, and uphold an engaging library environment. This role emphasizes information literacy and student support, making it essential for fostering student success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program required.
• Previous experience in a school library preferred.
• Strong knowledge of children's and YA literature.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a dynamic school library.
• Teach information literacy skills to students.
• Collaborate with faculty on integrating library resources.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Digital literacy

Education

Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Valid NYS School Library Media Specialist certification

Tools

Library management systems (LMS)

Job description

Intro

Here at Questar III BOCES, we believe in changing lives, realizing dreams and doing together what can’t be done alone. Our vision is that of creating a student-centered culture and putting students first. Our core values include a commitment to excellence by honing our craftsmanship to deliver high-quality work, a commitment to leadership & service by moving the organization, departments and school districts forward by exceeding client expectations, and a commitment to innovation by creating programs and services to address client needs AND by continuously improving our programs and operations. We believe that organizational excellence is best achieved when leadership is reflective of our diverse society.

About the Job

Questar III BOCES is seeking a School Librarian responsible for managing and developing the school library into a dynamic, welcoming, and essential learning hub that supports the curriculum and fosters a love of reading and lifelong learning in all students. This role involves curating a diverse and current collection of resources, teaching information literacy and research skills, collaborating with faculty, and promoting a positive library environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about literature, technology, and student success, and possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities:

I. Library Management & Collection Development:

• Develop, organize, and maintain a diverse, current, and engaging collection of print, digital, and multimedia resources aligned with the school's curriculum and the needs and interests of students and staff.

• Select, acquire, and process new materials, including cataloging, classifying, and preparing resources for circulation.

• Conduct regular inventory and weeding of the collection to ensure relevance, accuracy, and good condition.

• Manage the library budget effectively, making data-driven decisions for resource allocation.

• Maintain accurate records of library usage, circulation, and inventory.

• Oversee the physical organization and appearance of the library, creating an inviting and stimulating environment.

II. Instruction & Information Literacy:

• Teach information literacy skills, including effective searching, evaluating sources, ethical use of information (e.g., citation, plagiarism), and digital citizenship, to students across all grade levels.

• Collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources and research skills into classroom instruction and projects.

• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to students and staff on research, technology tools, and reading selection.

• Promote reading for pleasure and academic success through book talks, reading challenges, displays, and other engaging programs.

• Introduce students and staff to new technologies and digital tools relevant to learning and research.

III. Collaboration & Outreach:

• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student learning and foster a school-wide culture of literacy.

• Serve as a resource for faculty, assisting with curriculum development, locating instructional materials, and integrating technology.

• Communicate regularly with students, staff, and parents about library services, resources, and events.

• Develop and implement programs and activities that promote library use and engage the school community (e.g., author visits, book fairs, literacy nights).

• Stay current with best practices in library science, educational technology, and children's/YA literature.

• Participate in school-wide initiatives, committees, and professional development opportunities.

IV. Student Support & Supervision:

• Supervise students in the library, ensuring a respectful and productive learning environment.

• Assist students in locating and utilizing resources independently.

• Provide guidance on reading choices and foster a love of reading.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program.

• Valid NYS School Library Media Specialist certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

• Previous experience working in a school library setting is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of children's and young adult literature across various genres.

• Proficiency in library management systems (LMS) and digital resources.

• Familiarity with educational technology, online databases, and research tools.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Passion for fostering literacy, critical thinking, and a love of learning in students.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Dexterity to operate computers and other office equipment.