Librarian - Elementary

ROLE AND PURPOSE:

• The Librarian is responsible for the operation of the library/media center, empowers students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, ethical users of information and collaborates with classroom teachers to design and implement units of instruction and assess student learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master's Degree from accredited college or university (for individuals certified after January 23, 2001)
• Valid Texas school librarian certification or endorsement

Experience:

• Two years of classroom teaching experience

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Student support (in collaboration with classroom teacher):
  • Provides lessons in the use of library and information seeking literacy skills, understanding and respect for intellectual property, and demonstrating digital citizenship.
  • Instructs students in the use of print and non-print resources and research techniques.
  • Conducts activities to provide integrated curriculum and technology-rich literacy experiences for all students.
  • Involves students in the library through lessons, activities, library advisory boards, clubs, and special reading incentives.
  • Provides learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, encourages risk-taking, highlights innovation, and allows opportunities for self-reflection.
  • Guides students to make cross-curricular connections both in the academic environment and the real world.
  • Promotes instructional technology to improve learning.
  • Fosters a creative, flexible environment so that the school library is an essential part of the learning community.
• Teacher/faculty support:
  • Collaborates with teachers in the creation of lessons and materials that support TEKS and ISTE standards as a partner in the instructional process.
  • Promotes the use of existing and emerging technologies to support teaching and learning.
  • Provides and plans professional development as needed either whole group, virtually, or at time of need.
  • Facilitates collaboration and instructional ideas for supplemental programs such as public library collaborations, reading programs, RTI, BIL/ESL, or gifted and talented program.
  • Provide teachers with appropriate materials for a unit of study.
• Librarian/Media Specialist support:
  • Promotes a love of reading and lifelong learning as a foundational skill for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment.
  • Provides recreational and instructional materials in print and digital format.
  • Develops and maintains resources appropriate to the curriculum, the learners, and instructional strategies of the school community.
  • Establishes procedures for selection, acquisition, circulation, resource sharing of resources in all formats.
  • Fosters a welcoming environment of creativity and innovation for all students and faculty.
  • Completes required reports and book reviews as required by the library coordinator.
  • Ensures equitable access and responsible use of information for all stakeholders.

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

• Applies excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Communicates with principal, teachers, and staff about campus needs and offers support as needed.
• Creates physical spaces that are comfortable, flexible, collaborative, and supportive of 21st
• Century learning styles.

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains a continued awareness of current research and trends both in the curriculum, library practices, and technology.
• Communicates with principal, teachers, and staff about campus needs and offers support as needed.

ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Plans for use of space, facilities, and time within the library/media center.
• Provides an environment that fosters connectedness so that all stakeholders are actively participating and positively engaged.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of fiscal responsibility and knowledge of the needs of the learning community through purchases; both physical and digital, using a budget, activity, and supplemental funds such as grants.
• Follows district library policies and procedures.
• Supports the AISD district Strategic Plan.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

• Works collaboratively with teachers ensuring a safe and educational environment for students.
• Supervises student volunteers as needed.

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Communicates with students, parents, staff, and community in a manner representative of the media program, campus, and district vision, mission, and goals.
• Develops collaborative partnerships with the campus and community to create innovative opportunities for all stakeholders.
• Serves on committees and participates in district-wide activities which foster library services and instructional improvement.
• Participates in PLCs either virtually or physically.
• Maintains an updated virtual presence through online resources, social media, and library website.
• Notifies users of new materials, equipment, and services on a regular and timely basis.
• Provides 24/7 access to digital information resources for the entire learning community.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Identifies strengths and weaknesses in areas of professional growth and participates in professional development opportunities in areas of library services, technology, general content, and specific campus needs.
• Continually reads both fiction and nonfiction including professional resources, grade-appropriate content, and personal materials in order to stay current with literature trends and best practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises clerical aide(s).
• Supervises student aides, and volunteers.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Performs other duties as requested by campus administration.