Library Manager

The Library Manager plays a key role in the development of pupils' literacy, critical thinking and research skills. Responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the Senior School library and promoting it as a vibrant, welcoming place to study. Ensures pupils have access to a broad range of reading materials, reference materials, research tools and information services to facilitate learning throughout the school, encouraging independent learning and reading as a crucial means of developing cognitive ability.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality library provision by promoting reading and learning through resources, events, competitions and activities.
• Select, acquire, promote and maintain books and resources to cover the age and ability range of the school, ensuring equality of opportunity for all; maintain stock to sustain a relevant collection that supports all learners.
• Manage the library system and a wide range of resources in a variety of formats; classify and catalogue all resources; label, protect and display them appropriately.
• Liaise with Heads of Departments and teachers to develop appropriate resources; actively promote awareness of resources and services; arrange visiting authors, speakers and poets.
• Support learners to identify, locate and access the information they require; deliver library and research skills training to all new students and support EPQ and scholars programmes with research, referencing and presentation skills.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of current and classic Young Adult fiction to support the development of literacy in the school.
• Manage the budget and bid for resources for the strategic development of the library.
• Attend and contribute to the regional Independent Schools Librarians Group and HMC Group.
• Ensure continuous current awareness of new resources, developments and services.
• Liaise with the Prep School and Prep Librarian to ensure continuity of provision across the school.
• Supervise the library during lessons, breaks and activity times.

Personal Qualities

• Flexible, innovative, dynamic and resilient by nature.
• Professionally qualified in Librarianship and Information Science.
• Experience of managing a library in an educational environment.
• Literacy, confidence and efficiency with ICT, especially library management systems.
• Evangelist for independent learning, reading and the role of libraries in society.
• Open to innovations in learning, research and information technology.
• Enthusiastic about working constructively with students and teachers.
• Organised, efficient, calm with a welcoming and helpful manner.
• Actively interested in the academic and boarding life of the school.
• Confident to work with large numbers of pupils.

Equal Opportunities

Culford School is an equal opportunities employer. We commit to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Safeguarding

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre‑employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; enhanced DBS checks and other statutory checks will be carried out.