Library Media Specialist

Basic Function/Overall Responsibilities: Developing and administer an integrated school library media program. Instruct students and staff in effective use of the media center, information and technology literacy skills, and use of equipment. Evaluate, select and procure print and digital resources and related equipment. Develop procedures to ensure efficient operation, services, and facility use for the school library media program. Provide leadership and guidance for effectively integrating technology with instruction into the classroom. Develop knowledge of curriculum in all subject areas. Instruct teachers, administrators, and other staff in the use of new information technologies. Recommend and procure resources for staff for use in meeting their instructional objectives.

Principal Assigned Responsibilities:

• Develop a school library media program that addresses 21st century skills, including life and career development, learning and innovation, and information, media, and technology literacy.
• Create and maintain a school library center that provides a teaching and learning environment that is inviting, safe, readily accessible, and conducive to student learning.
• Actively promote reading, information literacy skills, and information resource use through activities including book clubs, reading programs, reading initiatives, and other special events.
• Instruct students and staff in information and technology literacy skills, including reading for understanding, the research process, engaging inquiry, collaboration, critical thinking, developing multiple literacies, and understanding copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property.
• Cooperate and network with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to provide expanded access to resources for students and teachers.
• Develop policies and procedures that ensure maximum accessibility, efficient operation, effective services and facility use. This includes policies and procedures for physical access, electronic access, selection, acquisition, circulation, resource sharing, and materials challenges.
• Establish annual and long-term measurable goals for the school library media program that are aligned with the district and school mission and objectives.
• Lead colleagues through staff development programs that incorporate best practices in the use of information resources, multi-media technology applications, and online learning.
• Work as an instructional partner by collaborating with teaching staff in preparing and delivering lessons that incorporate effective use of information resources and build information literacy and reading skills.
• Develop and maintain a collection of resources appropriate to the curriculum, students, and teaching and learning styles inherent within the school community.
• Implement and maintain automated catalog, circulation system, and textbook check-out services, including student obligations and responsibilities for materials.
• Collect and analyze data to periodically evaluate the school library media program for continuous improvement against measurable goals and communicate program results with administrators, staff, and the community.
• Supervise and evaluate support staff, which may include educational media assistants, computer education assistants, paraprofessionals, and student assistants.
• Maintain frequent and timely communication with stakeholders through an effective online school library media program presence and other formats such as presentations, e-mail, newsletters, reports, and articles.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree from a program at a regionally accredited college or university that would lead to NYS certification as a library media specialist

OR

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; satisfactorily complete a school library media practicum, 1 year of full-time teaching experience, or 1 year of full-time school library media-related experience.