Media Specialist (possible January start)

Linn-Mar Community School District•Oak Ridge, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Library Media Specialist develops and implements a school library media program integrated with the instructional program and connected to community, regional, and global resources. The specialist supports students and staff in locating and using information, teaches the district’s Information Literacy curriculum, collaborates on instruction and curriculum development, and promotes effective uses of technology and reading. The role also manages the library media center, collection, budget, equipment, and educational assistants while maintaining a welcoming, efficient environment and communicating with school staff, families, and the community.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree required.
Valid Iowa license as a K-12 Media Specialist.
Knowledge of effective instructional strategies, classroom management, and developmentally appropriate materials.
Knowledge of library computer applications, including CD-ROM reference sources, online resources, automation systems, and the Internet.
Knowledge of intellectual freedom principles and policies, copyright law in educational settings, collection management, whole language philosophy, resource-based teaching, and connecting library resources to curriculum.
Interpersonal, consensus-building, communication, teaming, flexibility, leadership, computer/technology, book-talking, and organizational skills.
Commitment to continued professional growth and openness to change.
Ability to team teach and collaborate, maintain a positive and productive environment, take initiative, prioritize based on criteria, and design and deliver instruction to adults.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequently sitting, standing, and walking; occasionally stooping, kneeling, and reaching above the head; and occasionally lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to hear, see, speak, and move to perform routine teaching and library duties.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.
Successful elementary teaching experience.
Cross-cultural experience.
Knowledge of current research in learning, current children’s literature, developmentally appropriate practices, integrated instruction, writer’s workshop, cooperative learning, and performance assessment.

Responsibilities

Promote and assist students and staff in using a variety of resources and independently accessing information.
Identify grade-appropriate content from the district’s Information Literacy curriculum and teach it, integrating instruction with classroom activities whenever possible.
Participate in team planning and teaching, support curriculum development, serve as a classroom resource, and provide instructional materials support.
Design instruction for diverse learning abilities, styles, and needs, and model effective and creative teaching strategies.
Support appropriate uses of technology for learning, productivity, and information access.
Provide reading guidance to students with special reading problems or unusual intellectual interests, and encourage reading for enjoyment and information.
Provide in-service training to teachers on emerging technologies.
Support intellectual freedom and the ethical use of materials.
Collaborate with district media specialists to improve media programs and services.
Design and implement a building library media program consistent with building and district goals.
Manage the library media center as a user-friendly environment with efficient operations and service orientation.
Arrange book-related displays and exhibits for media center patrons.
Assist with student and staff production projects.
Communicate with the building principal and staff about program development, goals, and concerns.
Administer the building’s media budget.
Plan and manage distribution and storage of library media materials and equipment to maximize access.
Maintain acquisition, holdings, circulation, hardware and materials inventory, maintenance, and access records.
Select print and non-print materials responsive to student and staff needs.
Remove obsolete and worn materials from collections to reflect changing curriculum needs.
Ensure equipment is maintained and repaired as needed.
Oversee and train educational assistants and manage clerical routines necessary for efficient operations.
Establish a public relations program to inform the school about library media program activities.
Participate in district-level meetings, in-services, committee work, and curriculum writing.
Remain current in the profession through professional reading, associations, and conference attendance.
Communicate with parents and the community about library media center services and maintain positive school and community relations.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance and perform other duties as assigned.
Supervise students in the media center and throughout the building.
Supervise and train educational assistant(s).