The Library Media Specialist

Library Media Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Mrs. Kathleen E. Hubler 

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts - English/French -  University of Connecticut, Master of Arts - Corporate Communications - Fairfield University, K-12 Library Media Specialist Certification - Southern Connecticut State University, Master of Library Science - Southern Connecticut State University

TEACHING AND LEARNING
Plans and implements information literacy lessons that enable students and staff to attain fluency in locating, evaluating and using information resources in a variety of formats.
 
Collaborates with teachers in the preparation, presentation and evaluation of complete instructional units that include integrated instructional activities utilizing information resources.
 
Provides information and instruction in areas of information literacy, the research process, responsible and ethical use of intellectual property, and use of print, non-print, and electronic resources.
 
Coordinates selection of materials for special units of study.
Assists teachers and students in selection and use of information resources to solve problems and make decisions.
 
Promotes student and staff reading for information and pleasure, maintaining a library culture that encourages an appreciation of literature by offering a variety of reading incentive programs and supporting school literacy initiatives.
 
Coordinates displays in the library media center and/or promotional activities.
 
Coordinates a variety of services including individual and small group instruction.
 
Conducts student and staff orientation to the library's services and programs.
 
Provides library/technology in-service training experiences for staff and teacher patrons.
 
ACCESS AND DELIVERY OF INFORMATION
Develops a schedule, circulation and loan procedures that ensure timely and equitable access to the facility and its resources for all students, educators, and staff.
 
Keeps abreast of current resources and literaure by reading professional journals, bibliographies, selection aids and publishers' catalogs and routes these to staff as appropriate.
 
Provides a variety of print, non-print, and online resources, supplemented by resources available outside the school, to support the curriculum, promote literacy, and respond to the interests of students and staff.
 
Classifies, catalogs, and organizes the library's materials for maximum accessiblility and availability.
 
Maintains an inventory of the library media center's materials and equipment.
 
Maintains the library's catalog and circulation system.
 
Maintains and updates the library web site.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree in Library and Information Science.
 
Certification as Library Media Specialist.
 
Teaching and curriculum development experience.
 
Ability to provide innovative and responsive leadership in planning, organizing and managing a library media program, services and resources.
 
Ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in-service educaton to faculty and staff.
 
Intuitive and adaptive technology skills and expertise with online information resources.
 
Knowledge of literature for young adults and appropriate techniques for selecting it.
 
Strong organizational skills, the ability to multi-task and shift priorities while dealing with frequent interruptions.
 
Knowledge of and sensivitity to diverse cultures.
 
Note: The original job description from which the above is adapted was posted on InfoLit, a listserv for secondary and university library media specialists.