Library Media Specialist (K-12) Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System • Lawrence, MA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the principal, the Library Media Specialist plans and administers the school's library media program. This role involves planning and providing direct instruction to students and training to staff, as well as managing library media center materials, facilities, and equipment. The specialist communicates the school library media program to administrators, staff, students, parents, and the community. Other duties may be assigned. For elementary placements, the role is split between Library Media and Instructional Technology Teacher.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an applicable field of education.
• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) certification: Library Media Professional Librarian.

Nice To Haves

• Three previous years of teaching experience

Responsibilities

• Instructs students and staff in the effective use of the school library, its resources, and the current technologies necessary to access resources and information.
• Incorporates information literacy into day-to-day instruction; and advocates and promotes reading and life-long learning through motivational activities.
• Leverages district curriculum or other strategies towards supporting a balanced approach to learning and library programs.
• Identifies and supports the learning and information needs of students and staff.
• Plans and works collaboratively with teachers to use appropriate resources that address curricular needs and learning goals.
• Adheres to and communicates copyright as well as other laws and guidelines pertaining to the distribution and ethical use of all resources.
• Advocates the principles of intellectual freedom; and works cooperatively with other libraries and agencies to share resources that enhance teaching and learning.
• Works with the principal and school leadership team to provide flexible access to school library resources to accommodate individuals and groups simultaneously.
• Organizes school library facilities and resources in a manner that supports the mission, goals, and objectives of HCPSS schools and maximizes intellectual and physical access to resources.
• Encourages the widest possible use of print and electronic resources and services within the school library, throughout the school, and through remote access.
• Develops and implements an ongoing collection development and evaluation planning process, that focuses on a variety of formats and resources to meet diverse learning needs.
• Prepares budget requests, administers library budgets, and maintains appropriate records; and prepares and submits accurate reports as required.
• Evaluates and selects resources that build a collection addressing curricular needs and learning goals in collaboration with teachers, technology staff, and students.
• Evaluates the school library program on a continual basis according to accepted standards of quality; and adheres to established laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Interacts effectively with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community to promote and expand the school library media program; and serves as a technology leader for the school supporting online learning, and digital content integration.
• Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness.
• Participate in and share responsibility for the safe and orderly operation of schools.
• Attend staff meetings, district professional learning, events, and serve on staff committees when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

Benefits

• Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
• The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.
• HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.
• Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level