School Library Media and Research Specialist

Position Summary

Newark Academy seeks an enthusiastic School Library Media and Research Specialist passionate about working with Middle and Upper School students and their faculty. This is a full-time, 10-month position supporting the daily operation of the school’s library, performing a variety of functions and assisting community members in the full use of library services. Newark Academy’s library is the heart of the school, where community members gather for independent study and collaborative activities. Our collection features a robust offering of academic databases, print resources and audiovisual materials. This position will work closely with a dynamic technology team and faculty to reimagine teaching, learning, and research in the digital age. This position’s start date is negotiable, and the selected candidate may begin immediately but must start for the 2025-26 school year.  

Reports to: Director of Digital Learning and Literacy

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree along with 4+ years experience working in a library, serving students in grades 6-12
• Extensive knowledge of library and media literacy best practices
• Experience working with and supporting a diverse community of students, parents, and colleagues
• Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously 
• Must be able to work with a team
• Understanding of and experience supporting independent student research is required. Understanding of the International Baccalaureate (IB)  Extended Essay requirements is helpful

Responsibilities include:

• Expand the library collection by reading widely and actively collaborating with library staff, faculty and students in the acquisition of resources
• Build a community of readers by designing engaging displays and facilitating reading promotions
• Support innovative library programs including but not limited to STEM challenges, Artificial Intelligence and Makerspace activities
• Contribute to the development of a curriculum map for research skills in grades 6-12 
• Provide faculty with research support, including literature reviews and curated LibGuides/pathfinders to enrich assignments and projects
• Provide assistance with retrieving resources via the automated catalog, online databases and periodicals
• Maintain databases and analyze usage statistics to aid in recommendations for adding or removing resources
• Work with the technology team to implement solutions that advance student research capabilities
• Provide library orientations for new community members, including faculty, staff and students
• Perform circulation desk procedures, such as checking in and checking out materials, registering patrons, maintaining patron records and sending overdue notices
• Shelve library materials and foster an inclusive physical and digital library environment conducive to research and collaboration
• Conduct annual inventory of collection and compile monthly statistics to illustrate trends and inform decision making
• Supervise students within the library and maintain a visible presence 

About Newark Academy
Located 35 miles from Manhattan in the town of Livingston, New Jersey, Newark Academy provides students in grades 6-12 with the knowledge and skills to become meaningful contributors to their communities and the wider world. Newark Academy cultivates a diverse school community and is committed to fostering and maintaining a caring and inclusive environment that thrives on intellectual, social-emotional, and relational interactions. Its faculty is highly regarded in the New Jersey independent school community for its especially effective combination of teaching that embraces rigor and compassion.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Newark Academy seeks and celebrates diversity in its faculty, staff and student body. In admission and employment practices, scholarship aid and educational programs, Newark Academy upholds applicable state and federal laws and regulations prohibiting unlawful discrimination.

Voluntary Self Identification:
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires organizations with 100 or more employees to complete an EEO-1 report each year. Newark Academy invites you to self-identify your gender and race/ethnicity below. Disclosure of this data is VOLUNTARY and will not affect your opportunity for employment, or terms or conditions of employment.