Media Librarian - Elementary School

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:  Under supervision, the media librarian provides a well-balanced media center, containing materials in all formats, equipment, and a program of services which enhances and supports the district’s educational goals and objectives. The librarian provides leadership and expertise in maintaining the school library media program; serves as a teacher and an instructional partner who works collaboratively with school administration and staff to offer a library program that supports the curriculum; manages the media center as a flexible, dynamic learning environment that promotes literacy, research skills, and a love of reading among students; and performs other related functions as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  This position requires expertise commonly associated with teaching and instruction so as to provide each student with an enriched environment that will invite intellectual growth and to aid all students in acquiring the skills needed to take full advantage of library media resources. This position plans, evaluates, and restructures the library program to reflect the emerging needs of the district and maintains a comprehensive, efficient system. The functional role of this position requires the careful evaluation, selection, and requisition of new library materials and equipment, as well as the fostering of a pleasant, inviting atmosphere for students, parents, faculty and staff. The media librarian must be able to effectively interpret data and implement policies and procedures that support the learning environment.  The media librarian meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, and other staff to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate and supervise the Library/Media Center.
• Maintain a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging media center materials.
• Evaluate and select new electronic and printed materials in adherence to the media center budget.
• Help students develop skills in independent research and in the use of electronic and printed reference materials.
• Inform and train staff with new materials the media center acquires.
• Provide developmentally appropriate materials to supplement instruction for all students.
• Establish and maintain appropriate standards of student behavior, utilizing a variety of behavior management strategies and techniques, including behavior modification, reinforcement and other positive behavior shaping processes.
• Maintain professional competence through professional staff development activities provided by the district and/or self-selected professional growth activities.
• Participate cooperatively with the appropriate administrator in the district evaluation process.
• Supervise students in/out of the media center, as needed, during the assigned working day.
• Assist and cooperate with school and district personnel in assessing pupil needs, including health, attitude and learning problems, and in the adapting of curriculum to meet individual educational needs.
• Participate in faculty meetings, team meetings, departmental meetings, committees and the sponsorship of student co-curricular activities as assigned.
• Foster the district’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives through instruction and action.
• Cooperate and collaborate with other members of the staff in planning instructional units.
• Accept responsibility for appropriate utilization of and the care of equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations.
• Plan, create, and maintain an effective learning environment through the utilizati­on of functional and aesthetically attractive displays, exhibits, bulletin boards, learning, and activity centers.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Assist in enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and Board policies.
• Demonstrate effective positive interpersonal and communication skills, with students, parents and staff.
• Promote good public relations with parents and other members of the community-at-large.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position assigned as may be requested by the Principal or Superintendent.
• Adhere to professional Codes of Ethics adopted by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

        KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Library software and technology
• Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to teaching and instruction of primary grade pupils;
• Child growth and development and behavior characteris­tics of the primary grade child
• Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and the educatio­nal trends and research findings pertaining to early childhood educational programming;
• Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods, and conflict resolution proce­dures;
• Socio-economic and cultural background differences of the general school popul­ation.

ABILITY TO:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive library program that reflects the emerging needs of the district;
• Plan, evaluates, and restructures the library program to reflect the emerging needs of the district and maintain a comprehensive, efficient system;
• Provide each student with an enriched environment that will invite intellectual growth;
• Teach library skills and information literacy to students, including research strategies, book selection, and technology integration;
• Provide reader’s advisory services to students, including book recommendations and reading recommendations;
• Evaluate, select, and requisition new library materials and equipment;
• Foster a pleasant, inviting atmosphere for students, parents, faculty and staff;
• Effectively interpret data, evaluate processes and implement library policies and procedures that support the learning environment;
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate library skills and content into the curriculum and provide instructional support as needed;
• Perform as a leader such that student achievement is maximized;
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators and collaborate as needed to support student achievement

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience:

Successful completion of student teaching at a recognized college or university or regular full time classroom teaching experien­ce, preferably including one year in a primary grade setting.

Education:

Possession of a Baccalaureate or higher degree with emphasis in elementary ed­ucation, instructional technology, a subject matter field commonly taught in the elementary grades, or closely related field areas.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: 

• Valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate or eligibility for certification
• Library Media Specialist Endorsement or Statement of Eligibility for Library Media Specialist

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

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