Head of Libraries

With a rich legacy spanning 65 years and a distinguished global reputation as a leading private education provider, GEMS Education is at the forefront of integrating innovative advancements through its vast networks and esteemed partnerships. Consider joining the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where significant investments in AI, robotics, and cutting-edge facilities foster remarkable outcomes for both academic success and student well-being. As an innovator in educational practices, we cultivate a progressive environment that emphasizes personalized learning, comprehensive development, and the chance to influence the future landscape of education.

At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, we facilitate a cohesive educational experience from Pre-Prep and Prep through to Sixth Form, enriched by state-of-the-art technology and a progressive curriculum. In the early years of Pre-Prep and Prep, we emphasize personalized learning through gamified experiences and advanced technologies while placing a strong focus on science, computing, reading, writing, and the arts. Our facilities boast an innovation lab, specialized IT resources, and programs in various sports including gymnastics, martial arts, basketball, and cricket. We seamlessly integrate emerging technologies such as robotics, AI, machine learning, and VR/AR to enhance educational experiences, including advanced Arabic instruction.

This position transcends the conventional library role. At SRI, we seek a candidate who is not only enthusiastic about literacy but also inspired by the potential that technology and research-driven learning can bring to education. You will play a pivotal role in guiding students as they navigate both physical and digital resources, fostering their development as inquisitive, reflective, and autonomous learners. Whether assisting a student in discovering their next favorite book or supporting a research initiative at the Sixth Form level, you will contribute to a school culture that champions inquiry, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Spearhead the creation of a future-oriented, inclusive library environment that promotes reading, research, and independent learning across all educational stages.
• Foster a robust reading culture through events, curated displays, and student engagement initiatives that represent diverse perspectives and facilitate personalized learning.
• Equip students with essential research, referencing, and source evaluation skills, supporting project-based learning and academic pathways in collaboration with curriculum leaders.
• Collaborate closely with SRI’s Centres of Excellence and curriculum teams to ensure library offerings are aligned with key learning themes, interdisciplinary projects, and overarching school priorities in innovation, inclusion, and digital education.
• Assist teachers in integrating library resources into their teaching plans, recommending pertinent texts, research tools, and enrichment materials that complement classroom instruction.
• Curate a diverse, up-to-date, and well-balanced collection of physical and digital resources tailored to student needs, curriculum demands, and strategic development objectives.
• Manage digital subscriptions and advocate for access to e-books, academic databases, and emerging technologies (e.g., AR/VR, AI tools) to enrich the research and reading experience.
• Ensure the library accommodates all learners by providing differentiated resources, multilingual materials, and inclusive practices that serve a diverse student population.
• Promote student agency, ownership, and leadership within the library through peer-led initiatives, opportunities for student librarianship, and regular feedback mechanisms.
• Utilize borrowing statistics, digital engagement metrics, and feedback from students and staff to guide decisions regarding library programming and resource allocation.

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.