Library Media Specialist

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the principal, the Library Media Specialist plans and administers the school's library media program. Plansand provides direct instruction to students and training to staff. Manages library media centermaterials, facilities, and equipment. Communicates the school library media program toadministrators, staff, students, parents, and the community. Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: Elementary placements are split Library Media/ Instructional Technology Teacher

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all the following qualifications, listed below, to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an applicable field of education.

Certification:

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) certification:

• Library Media

• Professional Librarian

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Three previous years of teaching experience

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Instructs students and staff in the effective use of the school library, its resources, and thecurrent technologies necessary to access resources and information.

• Incorporates information literacy into day-to-day instruction; and advocates and promotes reading and life-long learning through motivational activities.

• Leverages district curriculum or other strategies towards supporting a balanced approachto learning and library programs.

• Identifies and supports the learning and information needs of students and staff.

• Plans and works collaboratively with teachers to use appropriate resources that address curricular needs and learning goals.

• Adheres to and communicates copyright as well as other laws and guidelines pertaining to the distribution and ethical use of all resources.

• Advocates the principles of intellectual freedom; and works cooperatively with otherlibraries and agencies to share resources that enhance teaching and learning.

• Works with the principal and school leadership team to provide flexible access to schoollibrary resources to accommodate individuals and groups simultaneously.

•  Organizes school library facilities and resources in a manner that supports the mission,goals, and objectives of HCPSS schools and maximizes intellectual and physical accessto resources.

• Encourages the widest possible use of print and electronic resources and services withinthe school library, throughout the school, and through remote access.

• Develops and implements an ongoing collection development and evaluation planningprocess, that focuses on a variety of formats and resources to meet diverse learning needs.

• Prepares budget requests, administers library budgets, and maintainsappropriate records;and prepares and submitsaccurate reports as required.

• Evaluates and selects resources that build a collection addressing curricular needs andlearning goals in collaboration with teachers, technology staff, and students.

• Evaluates the school library program on a continual basis according to accepted standardsof quality; and adheres to established laws, policies, rules, and regulations.

• Interacts effectively with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community topromote and expand the school library media program; and serves as a technology leaderfor the school supporting online learning, and digital content integration.

• Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness.

• Participate in and share responsibility for the safe and orderly operation of schools.

• Attend staff meetings, district professional learning, events, and serve on staff committees when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION