Part-time Middle and Upper School Librarian in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at The Ellis School

The Part-Time Middle and Upper School Librarian is responsible for supporting a vibrant library program that serves students in grades 5–12. The librarian collaborates closely with faculty and administrators to ensure that library resources, services, and programming complement, enhance, and extend the school's educational mission.

The librarian fosters a welcoming environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, information literacy, ethical research practices, and a lifelong love of reading and learning.

The Part-Time Middle and Upper School Librarian will:

• Ensure that library resources and services support and advance the Middle and Upper School educational programs.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers and academic departments to design and support research projects and curricular initiatives.

• Partner with faculty to integrate information literacy, digital citizenship, and research skills into the curriculum.

• Help students develop a strong understanding of citation practices to support their coursework.

• Foster an inclusive environment that promotes creativity, inquiry, and a love of reading and learning.

• Develop and maintain a diverse collection of print, digital, and multimedia resources appropriate to the curriculum and the developmental needs and interests of students in grades 5–12.

• Maintain an attractive, dynamic, and welcoming library space conducive to reading, studying, collaboration, and research.

• Select, process, organize, and make readily available library materials and resources.

• Maintain circulation procedures and ensure the accessibility and availability of library resources.

• Provide reference and readers’ advisory services to students and faculty.

• Teach students to locate, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources.

• Empower students to become critical thinkers, skilled researchers, and enthusiastic readers.

• Promote digital citizenship and responsible use of information and technology.

• Curate book displays, reading initiatives, and programs that foster a culture of reading and intellectual engagement.

• Collaborate with the Director of Technology to support emerging technologies and digital resources.

• Communicate regularly with students, families, and faculty regarding library programs, resources, and services.

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development opportunities, and school committees as appropriate.

• Maintain active engagement with professional organizations and current trends in librarianship, literacy, and educational technology.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Participate in school events and activities as appropriate.

• Attend occasional evening programs, professional meetings, and special events.

• Support interdisciplinary initiatives and community programming within the Middle and Upper Schools.

• Other responsibilities consistent with a part-time faculty appointment may be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Master's degree in Library Science, Information Studies, or a related field preferred.

• Experience working with middle and/or upper school students.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty across disciplines to support student learning.

• Strong understanding of information literacy, research methodologies, and digital citizenship.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Passion for working with adolescents and fostering curiosity, reading, and lifelong learning.

• Previous experience in an independent school setting.

• Experience with library management systems and digital databases.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies and instructional tools.

• Experience designing and teaching research and information literacy lessons.

• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and continuous learning.