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Join to apply for the Head Librarian role at Lancing College
The Gwynne Library was instituted in 2000 and was designed in consultation with the librarian in post at that time. The stock comprises the main site, two prep schools, a separate OL and local studies collection, and a heritage collection. In total this numbers just over 39.7k and includes electronic resources. The librarian has responsibility for all stock and works with the AssistantLibrarian to ensure good stock provision. The library subscribes to and manages a growing number of digital platforms including JSTOR. A generous budget is the responsibility of the postholder.
Currently the library team consists of three permanent members of staff in addition to the Librarian and Assistant. The Library Supervisor also works evenings and Sundays. The library is open for a total of 70 hours across every day of the week during term time and is supported by student library and undergraduate assistants. The Librarian and Assistantmanage the Prep Schools and work with recently appointed Library Assistants by visiting each school regularly.
Students across all year groups use the library, with no one cohort taking precedence; Sixth Form students use the space for individual work daily; there is study seating for up to 44 individuals and further informal places to sit and read the numerous journals and newspapers provided. There are networked computers throughout and the College asks that all students bring their own electronic device to school.
The library enjoys excellent working relationships with all departments and has in recent years been responsible for the lending of textbooks. Librarians deliver information literacy skills across the year groups on a regular basis and assist with planning topics and courses as they occur across the curriculum and the academic year. The library has recently championed a CPD library for teaching staff and delivered short teaching and learning sessions.
Learning at Lancing
The post of Librarian is a key one in the College’s mission to create a thriving independent learning culture, centered around the learning culture at Lancing embodied in the Lancing Diploma.
The College’s Diploma is engrained in all elements of its curriculum and co-curriculum. It features five key attributes that throughout their education, all College students encounter in a wide variety of unique contexts:
* Resilience
* Reflection
* Reciprocity
* Responsibility
Students come to experience these attributes and become more articulate about them through the wide, holistic education we offer. One vital facet of this is our consistent focus on independent learning.
All Lancing students follow a programme of metacognition teaching in their first year that includes a 4000-word research project, one based on a curriculum that teaches them to research, refine and draft ideas, reference and construct a long-term project. This experience is then consolidated in future years through a consistent programme of project-based learning and enquiry. All students in the Lower Sixth Form are invited to submit to our Heresy Project, pursuing independent research projects of their choosing that challenge orthodox thinking and propose new personal perspectives.
We believe that the job of the College Librarian is essential to maintaining this spirit of independent thought. The Librarian is a key part of our scholarly community.
The Appointment
The College seeks to appoint a Head Librarian to be responsible for the management, development and promotion of the College library.
Job Title:HeadLibrarian
Responsible to:Deputy Head
Responsible for:Library Supervisor, Assistant Librarian, Library Assistants at Prep Schools
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
* To manage the school library, its budget and electronic media resources.
* To uphold the school library policy which supports the school in meeting the targets set in the Lancing College Development Plan, in consultation with the Library Committee.
* To ensure the provision of an excellent resource collection and information service within an environment which encourages independent learning, supporting the academic and extra-curricular life of the school.
* To supervise and train Assistant Librarian and Library Supervisor, also student volunteers.
* To manage the library management system.
* To liaise with all departments to ensure the acquisition and access to appropriate learning resources and promote these to all potential users.
* To ensure that the library provides an attractive environment for study and leisure reading.
* To maximise the effectiveness of students’ and teachers’ work by providing assistance in the library, as required.
* To teach a programme of Information Handling Skills across the key stages
* To attend Heads of Departments’ meetings (and other meetings as required) to ensure an awareness of the needs of the school community.
* To follow up opportunities for professional development including INSET at the College.
* To foster links with the external library community through networking, meetings and visits.
* To assist in the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment for library users and colleagues.
* To perform other duties as may be required.
Required Skills, Qualifications and Personal Qualities
* Educated to degree level or equivalent.
* Chartered librarian.
* Experience of working in the education sector.
Application Procedure:
Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing.
Application forms are available from the College websitewww.lancingcollege.org.uk.
Please send any emails torecruitment@lancing.org.uk
A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.
Closing date:18 June 2025.
Informal conversations about the post may be arranged with Julia Nixon, Head Librarianjrn@lancing.org.uk
The College reserves the right to call individuals to interview prior to the closing date for applications.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Director
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Other
* Industries
Education Management
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