Media Specialist

PRIMARY FUNCTION :

The Media Specialist shall be directly responsible to the Principal. This person will :

The role of the library program is to ensure that students and staff are effective and independent users of ideas and information. The primary responsibility of the school media specialist is to assist students and teachers in accessing, using, and evaluating information. The Librarian / Media Specialist serves as a primary school leader in providing information and skills in technology and multi-media. The library program supports the curriculum by providing adequate resources for both students and teachers. Since information use is best taught in context, library use should be integrated throughout the curriculum with collaboration between the media specialist and classroom teachers. Ideally, the teacher and media specialist are partners in the delivery of instruction. Knowledge of students and the curriculum remains the foundation of good school library service regardless of the format, or source of the information.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and hold endorsement(s) and / or appropriate license(s) for position as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board.

Strong organizational, management and leadership skills.

Demonstrated successful instructional experience, general leadership ability and personal characteristics necessary for working with staff, parents and community.

Alternative qualifications as the Superintendent and School Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Administers the policies and procedures for the efficient operation of the library, including cataloging, processing, organizing, and circulating materials.

Directs, organizes, and supervises the personnel and services necessary to maintain a library program centered on students' needs and the instructional goals of the school.

Creates and maintains a welcoming environment in which students and staff can read, learn, and work productively.

To develop as a school leader in technology and multi-media, regularly trains in the use and best practices of such.

Models and promotes the instructional integration of current technologies and multi-media resources. This is a critical and growing component of job performance.

Develops and maintains a balanced collection of print, multimedia, and electronic resources to support the school's curriculum and to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

Assists students and teachers in accessing, evaluating, and using information from print and electronic resources.

Works with teachers to promote resource-based learning (learning which results from the use of multiple resources) and information literacy (skills of information problem-solving).

Informs teachers and students of new resources that are available.

Administers the annual library budget and evaluates, selects, and maintains accurate records and completes reports of inventory holdings, financial transactions, and circulation statistics.

Reads reviews in journals and other selection resources to keep collection current and relevant.

Weeds obsolete and worn materials from the collection.

Participates in local professional growth activities as well as other educational and professional associations.

Supports the utilization of multi-media equipment for instructional purposes, and assists teachers in their use.

• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Maintains licensure at the state and / or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date;

Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information.

Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions.

Performs those activities, as determined by the Principal, which are directed toward accomplishing the instructional mission of the school.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS :

Duties performed typically in school library. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and / or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required. Other limited physical activities may be required. Regular contact with students, staff members, administration, community members, and parents is required.

EVALUATION :

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of personnel.

TERMS OF CONTRACT :

10.5 Month - 210 Days - 7 Hours per Day

Reports to Building Administration