LIBRARY MEDIA/SPECIALIST (#1333)

Wakefield Public Schools

School District Position Description

Position Title:   Library Media/Specialist

Reports To:       Walton/Greenwood Principals

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QUALIFICATIONS:  Massachusetts Teachers Licensure as a Library/Media Specialist from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required.  Experience in a secondary school setting is preferred.

SUMMARY:  Reports directly to the School Principal and ensures that students and teachers are effective users and producers of information.  The position also manages the operation of the library media center.  The Library/Media Specialist also collaborates with teaching staff in the development of student literacy through the administration of the library media program, provides specialized instruction to students and teaching staff, and oversees the selection, organization, utilization and maintenance of the library, information and curriculum resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for the design and implementation of an effective Library/Media Program.
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all media center materials and instructs teachers and students on use of the system.
• Helps students to develop habits of independent reference work and to develop skill in the use of reference materials in relation to planned assignments.

• Utilizes the content of relevant curriculum frameworks to plan activities addressing standards that will advance students’ level of content knowledge.
• Plans and uses pedagogy appropriate to the specific discipline and the age level of English proficiency, and cognitive level of students utilizing the library.
• Collaborates with teachers to develop and integrate information literacy skills within content areas.
• Functions as a resource for staff on topics such as young adult literature, information problem solving models, copyright, the internet, web site evaluation and information literacy.
• Understands curriculum and participates in curriculum meetings.
• Works with students and teachers in the use of a variety of technology tools, including hardware, software and the Internet.
• Assists teachers with the selection of books, media and other instructional materials for classroom use.
• Informs staff of materials, activities and services of the library/media center.
• Troubleshoot problems with audio visual equipment.
• Organizes, evaluates, selects, orders and ensures processing of library materials in all required formats.
• Leads in initiatives to integrate technology and media tools to support students’ growth in 21st century skills.
• Uses technologies to enhance capacity of library (web platform, blog, podcasts, interactive online Book Club). 
• Selects print and non-print materials appropriate to the informational and recreational reading needs of the high school student.
• Prepares and administers the library/media budget.
• Maintains an inventory of available library media equipment.
• Creates an environment and implements systems to promote intellectual and physical access to library media materials and equipment.
• Provides leadership and instruction in use of the library and information technology by participating in school technology committee and other curriculum committees.
• Publishes a monthly newsletter for staff members detailing media center activities available instructional programs and a monthly schedule of instructional programs to be presented by the media specialist.
• Any other duties as required by the Superintendent and/or Principal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates skills that address the Professional Standards for Library Media Specialist as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Strong grounding in young adult literature, and a commitment to working with young people.
• Understanding of regional reference database system.
• Fluent in Library 2.0 Applications

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises classroom, students and volunteers.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Works collaboratively with Administration maintaining the mission of the school and maintaining progress in reaching the school’s improvement plan goals.
• Performs clerical tasks needed to maintain, update and circulate books, materials and equipment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Masters Degree is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SALARY:

According to the Teacher Salary Schedule.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.