Library Media Specialist - Virginia Department of Education

Southampton County Public Schools is looking for a Library Media Specialist to provide instruction that collaborates with school administration and staff in the area of library skills.

Job Title:     Library Media Specialist

Location:     Elementary Schools

Reports To:  Building Principal

Position Purpose:  The position is responsible for serving in four interrelated roles within the school: 

The Library Media Specialist (LMS) is responsible for working collaboratively with school administration and staff to develop a library program that supports the curriculum; provides instructional leadership for the teaching of literacy skills; develops and maintains a media center collection rich in both print and non-print materials; and manages the media center as a flexible, multi-task learning environment.

 

Essential Duties

• Performs difficult professional work instructing students in library skills, operating an elementary, middle, or high school library, and serving as a resource for instructional personnel and students. 

• Planning, overseeing, supervising, and operating an elementary, middle, or secondary school library.

• Providing instruction to students in library skills.

• Serving as library and media resource person, maintaining records, and files.

• Manages and administers the overall school library program.

• Provides instructional services to students; oversees and operates library equipment and technological services.

• Assists teachers with their curriculum involving the use of the media center and their curriculum; instructs and helps teachers in the use of various information formats available; works with teachers to implement a media skills program.

• Helps students check out and return media center materials; helps students select materials to complete research assignments and locate materials; conducts orientation sessions for students regarding media center; trains students on the use of media center equipment.

• Conducts media orientation sessions for new teachers and student teachers.

• Sets up media equipment; troubleshoots and makes minor repairs to equipment.

• Orders film and materials and special equipment from ERC and keeps appropriate records.

• Participates in curriculum planning; plans, implements and evaluates integrated media center/classroom lessons.

• Selects, purchases, processes and catalogs media center materials.

• Administers library budget.

• Maintains logs, schedules, and calendars of media center use.

• Prepares book displays and bulletin boards.

• Updates card catalog system; takes annual inventory of books, audio/visual material, and equipment.

• Prepares and files required reports.

• Teaches library and research skills to elementary students; reads to elementary students.

•  Performs related tasks as required.

 

Additional Duties
 

• Participates in various student and parent activities that occur in school, including PTA, student clubs, and after-school activities.

• Creates an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.

• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings, and other professional activities.

 

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive for every task or responsibility.  

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods, educational pedagogy, and differentiated instruction based on student learning styles.

• Knowledge of library media curriculum and concepts, including all subject matters taught.

• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.

• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.

• Ability to organize and coordinate work.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.

• Ability to engage in self-evaluation concerning performance and professional growth.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted during work.

Thorough knowledge of professional library/media principals, materials, and practices; thorough knowledge of the operation of a variety of media equipment; thorough knowledge of prescribed school system policies and procedures; ability to evaluate library programs and services and to develop improved methods; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

 

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching Library Media.

• Strong communication skills; ability to write and speak clearly and accurately. 

• Ability to work independently and multitask.

• Possesses strong organizational skills.

 

 Terms of Employment

    Full-time

    10 months

To apply electronically, please visit https://www.applitrack.com/southampton/onlineapp/