Position: Library Media Specialist 

Job Status: Full-Time/190 days

Classification: Certified

Class: Exempt

Job Description:

 

Fosters a love of reading and learning in young students by curating a welcoming library environment. Responsibilities include managing the library collection, teaching basic research and literacy skills, promoting age-appropriate books and resources, and supporting teachers with instructional materials. The librarian should engage students in activities that interest them in reading and learning. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to represent the school district positively at all times.
• Establish effective rapport with students.
• Motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for their education in accordance with each student‘s ability.
• Establish and maintain an orderly learning environment in which students actively participate.
• Shelve and repair books. Maintain shelves to ensure books are properly placed according to category and level.
• Assist students in finding books appropriate for their reading level.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the district’s curriculum program requirements.
• Create a media center with resources and a systematically developed collection within and outside of the school conducive to student learning and personal growth.
• Update computerized library files when students enroll, drop, or change classes.
• Assist teachers in finding books related to a specific study or project topic.
• Maintain media room materials, i.e., videos, read-along books with tapes, etc.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for school librarians.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Management duties such as ordering books and materials, processing items of usage, planning finances and accountability, organizing inventory of devices, implementation of management of 1:1 devices
• Conduct year-end inventory.
• Formulate positive relationships with parents, students, and other staff members.
• Demonstrate effective communication within the school community.
• Adept with technology, learning management systems, and digital instruction (Canvas, Google Classroom, etc.) and can assist in the use of technology and the digital/virtual learning environment.
• Provide assistance and instruction in identifying, locating, and interpreting information housed in and outside the library media center.
• Provide learning opportunities related to new technologies, use, and production of various media formats.
• Provide professional development in new and emerging technologies, use of appropriate technologies, incorporation of technology into the instructional program, and laws and policies on the use of communication of ideas and information, including copyright law.
• Assume responsibility for assigned non-teaching duties.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

 

Competencies:

• Content Knowledge: Deep understanding of or willingness to learn the subject matter and curriculum standards.

• Use of Technology: Proficiency in integrating technology tools to enhance teaching and learning.
• Classroom Strategies: Application of effective teaching methods to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Behavior Management: Ability to establish and maintain a respectful, productive library environment.
• Organization: Skill in managing time, materials, and resources efficiently.
• Engagement: Use of strategies to maintain student interest and active participation.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and respect for cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity.
• Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Clear, concise communication with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Feedback: Ability to provide constructive and actionable feedback to students.
• Collaboration: Effective teamwork with colleagues, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Empathy and Support: Understanding and addressing students’ academic, emotional, and social needs.
• Motivation: Encouraging students to set and achieve goals, fostering a growth mindset.
• Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming and equitable learning environment for all students.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in modifying teaching approaches based on student needs and circumstances.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to professional growth and staying current with educational trends.
• Reflection: Regular evaluation of teaching practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Ethics and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and a commitment to students’ well-being.
• Data Analysis: Ability to use student performance data to inform and improve instruction.
• Goal Setting: Setting measurable learning objectives based on assessment outcomes.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment in addressing classroom challenges and opportunities.
• Regular Attendance: Exhibiting regular attendance to perform duties satisfactorily.
• Self-motivated: Ability to be internally driven to perform a task to the best of one's ability. 
• Team Player: Ability to work with others toward a goal as well as maintain good relations with co-workers, students, and parents.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess an Arkansas Teacher’s License and be eligible to obtain ALP.
• Library Media Specialist certification preferred. 
• Must pass a preliminary criminal background and child maltreatment check.
• Appropriate personal and professional conduct at all times while around students, staff, and members of the public.
• Must have or be able to complete Science of Reading Awareness (within 30 days of hire). Science of Reading Proficiency preferred. 

Knowledge and Expertise:

• Experience is not required but preferred. 

 

Work Environment:

 

Most job responsibilities for this position are performed in an indoor school environment that is temperature controlled (heated and cooled) according to the season. Noise levels are mostly low to moderate. This position is cognitively demanding and requires especially well-developed professional social skills and communication skills. This job position may experience periods of standing, walking, and sitting. 

g, and sitting.