Position Description

Library Media Specialist, USD 320

Brief Program Description

The library media program should be an integral part of the schools' curriculum.  Students and faculty members should be provided with the resources to supplement the curriculum, whether they be in-house resources or those found through the use of technology.  These resources should be housed in a library media center which provides adequate space for all activities.  The library media center should be conveniently located, easily accessible, and aesthetically inviting to all.

Description of Position of LMS

The school library media specialist plans, directs, implements, and evaluates the library program.

Management Skills - Student Behaviors

The library media specialist:

• Establishes behavioral standards for students in the LMC
• Assists students in becoming effective and discriminating users of library resources
• Helps students develop habits of independent reference work and skills in the use of reference material in relation to planned assignments.

Management Skills - Environment

The library media specialist:

• Organizes library material, equipment, and facilities for effective and efficient utilization and circulation.
• Plans, equips and maintains attractive facilities.
• Keeps the collection current within the constraints of the annual budget by purchasing quality print and non print materials.
• Establishes an attractive and easily accessible LMC that is conducive to learning.
• Maintains the library catalog.
• Effectively utilizes clerical, volunteer, student and/or other personnel to provide quality library service to users.
• Maintains appropriate records of library materials
• Processes materials simply and efficiently.

Teaching Skills

The library media specialist:

• Through a working knowledge of books and authors in the collection, assists students with reading selections.
• Is aware of and supports the curriculum through collection development.
• Provides leadership in all aspects of the school media program.
• Develops a research and library skills program relating to the needs of the students.
• Guides students in finding and using a wide variety of materials.
• Attempts to instill in students the ability to be self learners by promoting the spirit of inquiry and teaching effective fact-finding skills.
• Plans with teachers, when appropriate, for meaningful and effective grade appropriate reference work and/or literature appreciation activities for their students.
• Actively plans with teachers and groups of teachers to integrate library services and multimedia materials with the instructional program.

Assessment of Program

The library media specialist:

• Evaluates and selects materials needed to meet both the curricular and individual needs of students, teachers, and administrators who will be using the LMC.
• Determines the needs of teachers and students as a basis for the selection of new materials and equipment.
• Does a periodic inventory of library collection as well as library AV equipment and library computers.
• Supervises the withdrawal of outdated and worn out materials.

Interpersonal Relationships

The library media specialist:

• Demonstrates positive techniques to promote students self image.
• Interacts positively with other staff members
• Provides a positive role model for students (e.g., follows school policies and procedures, appropriate, language, courteous, sensitive to individual differences).
• Makes appropriate adjustments to change and handles conflict and frustration constructively.
• Coordinates and cooperates with other school libraries as well as with public libraries.
• Helps staff make full use of the services and resources of the LMC.
• Maintains an appearance appropriate for professional assignment.

Professional Growth

The library media specialist:

• Shows professional growth by continuing with education, attending conferences and workshops, keeping current on new technology developments, reading professional literature, etc.
• Reads literature for appropriate grade level.
• Serves on library curriculum committee and district wide technology committee.

Professional Responsibilities

The library media specialist:

• Meets assigned building and district responsibilities
• Works to complete building goals and district exit outcomes.
• Allocates and manages expenditures of assigned budget funds on the basis of curricular and replacement needs.
• Develops and promotes the LMC programs, its routines, usage scheduling, and procedures.
• Develops a collection that supports the curriculum.
• Organizes and supervises the ordering, checking, processing, and maintaining of media center materials.

Technology Leadership

The library media specialist:

• Assists staff and students with technology.
• Maintains a working knowledge of software and CD-ROMs
• Provides basic instruction to staff or students for equipment use.
• Assists staff with computer and/or AV equipment problems.
• Helps staff and students become comfortable with technology by being available to assist them.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and valid State of Kansas teaching certificate.
• State certification as a school library media specialist.
• Desire to continue career improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Educational Technology, Masters of Library Science, or comparable degree.

Supervision

• The library media specialist reports directly to the building principal.