Library Media Specialist

Responsibilities: The library media specialist is an integral part of the instructional team. He/she fosters a positive attitude toward the use and communication of information by students and teachers and creates an environment where literature and language are valued. Collaboratively plans, teaches, and evaluates, with classroom teachers, instructional lessons or units, which integrate information literacy and/or technology skills into the classroom curriculum. Provides instruction in the use of technology to access information outside the library media center. Uses a wide variety of teaching methods, media, and ways of communicating information to ensure that students can access and use all types of information sources. Promotes and demonstrates the use of new technologies and media with teachers and other adults. Provides access to information and resource services for all students, staff and community users. Makes resources available to students and teachers through a systematically developed collection within the school: manages selection and ordering of materials through a process, which involves teachers, administrators, students, and parents; administers budgets for library media resources. Provides access to the library media center collection and instructional materials through the management of an accurate and efficient organization and retrieval system. Assists students in identifying, locating and interpreting information found in both print and digital resources. Provides access to the library media center throughout the school day to classes, small groups, individual students, teachers, staff, and parents. Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure equitable access to information. Informs teachers, students, parents, and administrators of new materials, equipment and services that meet their information needs. Participates in department, grade-level, school, and district curriculum development and assessment projects. Assists teachers in the selection and purchase of instructional materials, and in the use of information resources. Recommends student-level literature to teachers and encourages them to read to their classes as well as reading personally for an awareness of the literature available.