Library Media Specialist; Elementary

Overview

This position is accountable for establishing and coordinating the services of the school library‑media center and technology lab appropriate to the educational needs of all students. The Library Media Specialist provides a full spectrum of educational enrichment materials to ensure that students in the school find instructional and non‑instructional materials appropriate to their interests, abilities, and maturity levels, and ensures that students and teachers are effective users of information and ideas by providing instruction in the use of technology.

Reports to:

Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience managing school site collections and selecting/acquiring materials and equipment.
• Previous teaching and/or related school experience.
• Valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement(s) appropriate to the teaching assignment, including School Library Media Specialist - 062 endorsement.
• Membership and compliance with continuing education requirements for re‑certification.
• Possession of a valid Motor Vehicle operator's license (may be required).
• Knowledge and mastery of information literacy standards for student learning, including creation and maintenance of programs for a broad learning community.
• Knowledge of a variety of strategies for communication, information access, technology operation, instructional resources, and collaborative planning.
• Abilities to locate, evaluate, and use information; to teach technology use; to design and manage library and technology programs; to communicate effectively with all stakeholders; to supervise support staff; and to stay current with new technologies and trends.
• Abilities to recognize developmental growth patterns, collaborative needs, and positive learning climates; to manage policies, procedures, and resources; to interact with parents and community groups; and to employ evaluation methods for program improvement.
• Abilities to use, evaluate, and address accessibility, equity, and resource allocation; to integrate the library media program into curriculum; and to support diverse learning styles.

• May direct the work of paraprofessionals and clerical staff as assigned.

• Administers a program that provides learning experiences utilizing technology and resources accessed from classrooms or other locations outside the library information center.
• Analyzes instructional and technological requirements and recommends staffing and training necessary to meet learning and information needs.
• Assists teachers and learners in developing appropriate activities for assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum.
• Assists teachers and staff in developing connections among subjects, standards, and learning strategies.
• Assists teachers in finding, evaluating, and developing additional resources and interdisciplinary connections.
• Builds support for the library media program through influence strategies.
• Catalogs, classifies, and arranges information resources in various forms and media according to recognized standards.
• Collaborates and communicates with all staff, especially technology staff, to identify and use learning technologies needed by students.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers in creating and implementing standards, goals, and visions.
• Collaborates with teachers in creating integrated classroom assignments and projects.
• Collaborates with the learning community to ensure the library information program meets individual student needs.
• Collaborates with technology department to plan budgets, purchase software and hardware, and ensure compatibility.
• Communicates effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and the community.
• Contributes to school curriculum by attending meetings.
• Co‑teaches and mentors classroom teachers on projects and assignments.
• Creates and implements the library media program.
• Maintains inviting, attractive physical spaces that encourage a positive learning climate.
• Demonstrates leadership in curricular planning and assessment; engages in continuous evaluation to…