2026 - 2027 School Year

Library Media Specialist 

Position Summary:

USD 480 is now accepting applications for a Library Media Specialist (Librarian) for the 2026–2027 School Year.

The Library Media Specialist provides all students and staff with an enriched library environment containing a wide variety and range of resources that will invite intellectual growth. The media specialist aids students and staff in acquiring the skills needed to take full advantage of the library media center resources.

Reports To: Curriculum Director and Building Principals

Why Liberal Public Schools?

At Liberal Public Schools, we know great teachers make all the difference. We are committed to supporting our educators through collaborative leadership, meaningful professional learning, and access to instructional support at both the building and district levels. We provide opportunities to grow and lead early in your career while offering a lower cost of living that allows your competitive salary to go further for your family.

As a diverse, bilingual, Title I district, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who believe every student deserves access to high-quality instruction and meaningful opportunities for success.

When you join Liberal Public Schools, you'll enjoy:

• Up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates
• Additional coaching and sponsorship stipends may be available
• Competitive salary based on education and experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
• Participation in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)
• Paid personal and sick leave
• Instructional coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development
• Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Opportunities for leadership and career advancement
• A welcoming, diverse school community dedicated to student achievement

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited college/university.
• Current Kansas State Teaching Certificate with Library Media endorsement.
• Two years of teaching experience preferred.
• ESOL endorsement preferred ($500.00 stipend paid in full with November paycheck to all certified staff with an ESL endorsement on their Kansas license).

Essential Responsibilities:

Planning and Preparation

• Demonstrates knowledge of literature and current trends in library media practice.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the state standards, the school's program, the school improvement plan, and student information needs within that program.
• Establishes goals for the library media program appropriate to the setting and the students served.
• Plans the library media program integrated with the overall school program.
• Demonstrates the use of information literacy and educational technology.

The Library Media Center Environment

• Creates an environment of respect and rapport with students and school staff.
• Establishes a culture for investigation and love of literature.
• Manages student behavior.
• Organizes available physical space to enable efficient use within existing constraints.

Delivery of Service and Instruction

• Collaborates with school staff in the design of instructional units and lessons.
• Engages students in enjoying literature and in learning information literacy skills.
• Assists students and school staff in the use of technology in the library media center.
• Teaches students and school staff ethical and effective strategies for locating and using ideas and information.
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness.

Professional Responsibilities

• Reflects on the library media program.
• Communicates with the larger community.
• Participates in a professional community.
• Engages in professional development.
• Advocates for the school library media program.
• Shows professionalism.

Library Media Program Management

• Demonstrates knowledge of resources, both within and beyond the school and district, and access to such resources as interlibrary loan.
• Develops a plan to evaluate the library media program.
• Establishes and maintains library policies and procedures.
• Maintains and extends the library collection in accordance with the school's needs and within budget limitations.
• Maintains the school's audiovisual equipment and instructional technologies collection in accordance with the school's needs, budget limitations, and duty assignments.
• Prepares and submits budgets, records, and reports.
• Administers programs and events related to the library media center.
• Other duties as might be assigned.

Terms of Employment:

• 10.5-month contract.
• Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, lift instructional materials, and actively supervise students throughout the school day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in classrooms and school settings with frequent collaboration among teachers, administrators, students, and families. The work environment typically includes a moderate noise level and may involve travel between district buildings.

Terms of Employment:

Salary, benefits, and work calendar are established in accordance with the negotiated Professional Agreement and approved by the USD 480 Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the USD 480 Board of Education.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Liberal Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.