Tandem Friends School, an all-gender, Quaker, 5th-12th grade independent day school in Charlottesville, Virginia, seeks a dynamic and enthusiastic Librarian and Media Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to cultivate a vibrant and engaging learning environment within our Libby O. Cohen Library, supporting both our Middle and Upper School students and faculty. Position to begin on or before July 1, 2025, dependent upon candidate availability. 

The Opportunity:

A unique school with a unique history, Tandem Friends School of Charlottesville, VA, is guided by the Quaker principles that define Friends Schools and has three school mottos: kindness and wisdom, creativity and integrity, and freedom with responsibility. Founded in 1970 as an inclusive alternative to the segregation academies that had proliferated in Virginia at that time, Tandem was the first school in the area founded as both coeducational and racially integrated. Over time, Tandem found Quaker schools to be kindred spirits and joined the Friends Council of Education, becoming a Friends School in 1996.

With approximately 250 students and spanning only grades 5-12, Tandem Friends aims to cultivate a school culture in which adolescents feel invested in their school community, feel seen and appreciated, and feel comfortable being their full selves at school. By encouraging the exploration of new activities and experiences and supporting students’ sense of community responsibility and belonging, the school strives to create challenging and engaging academic and extracurricular experiences that feel purposeful to our students. 

Position Summary:

Key responsibilities for the Librarian and Media Specialist position include the following:

• Develop and maintain a diverse collection of print and digital materials to support the curriculum and to cultivate reading enjoyment
• Manage the Follett library database
• Catalog all materials
• Manage patron records and the circulation of materials
• Purchase all materials, supplies and manage subscription renewals/purchases keeping within the library budget 
• Perform collection inventories on an annual or biennial basis 
• Maintain the library’s online presence (website)
• Offer reference, research, and reader's advisory services at the Middle and Upper School level, both individually and as class instruction
• Foster a vibrant learning environment conducive to inquiry, reflection, and collaboration.

At the core of the Librarian and Media Specialist role are relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents. Additional duties or responsibilities within the Middle or Upper School will be required.

The Librarian and Media Specialist position described above is a part-time position; however, the position may be expanded to a full-time faculty, 10.5 month position by combining that position with the duties of the Library and Study Hall Proctor, a part-time position described below, or possibly by teaching one or two Middle or Upper School academic classes, depending on availability.

The Library and Study Hall Proctor responsibilities include the following:

• Monitor students using the library to ensure a quiet and productive environment
• Manage any required study halls throughout the day: take attendance, supervise, etc. (primarily 9th graders and new students in fall semester, and when assigned in response to behavioral or academic performance)
• Maintain library appearance and ensure an orderly and accessible environment, including working with a student work crew daily to clean the space
• Coordinate reservations of the library and conference spaces by students and staff
• Check in/out books 
• Assist with collection management tasks including repairing minor damage to materials and shelving and straightening books
• Assist the technology department with the circulation of student Chromebooks, including distribution and EOY collection, troubleshooting issues, and checking out loaner devices.

Tandem Friends School aspires to be an equitable and inclusive school community. The school seeks applications from candidates with a high degree of cultural competence who will contribute to an atmosphere in which all are valued and supported. People of color and members of other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and references to [email protected]. Please indicate which position(s) you are applying for: 1) Part-time Librarian and Media Specialist ONLY, 2) Full-time Librarian and Media Specialist and Library and Study Hall Proctor combined position, or 3) Full-time Librarian and Media Specialist and MS/US teacher combined position (this option depends on staffing needs and may not be available).

Tandem Friends seeks faculty and administrators who bring diverse skills and knowledge, a willingness to learn new things, and an appreciation for collaboration with students. Ideal candidate for the Librarian and Media Specialist position will possess:

• Significant K-12 school library experience with a strong preference for middle and high school experience
• A strong working knowledge of best practices for school libraries including digital and print collection management
• Experience instructing and supporting research skill and media literacy skill development among Middle and Upper School students
• A high level of cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to DEIJB principles and practices
• Upper or Middle School classroom experience
• Stellar interpersonal and written communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position; an MLS or a Master’s degree in a related academic field is preferred.

Physical Requirements: 

• Daily desk work, including significant amounts of telephone and computer time
• As part of daily routines, frequent walking inside and outside and managing stairs as part of general job duties moving around a large campus with uneven pavement
• The employee must be able to work the standard week of Monday through Friday during regular business hours on campus, with additional hours required outside those hours to attend events and meetings
• Lifting 40 pounds (books)

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The ideal candidate for the Library and Study Hall Proctor position will posses:

• Ability to maintain positive classroom dynamics and rapport with students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent and appropriate professional boundaries
• Highly organized and dependable
• Highly detail oriented
• Hard working and self-motivated 
• Creative, flexible, and energetic

About Tandem Friends School

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