Job Description:
2026-2027SCHOOL YEAR
LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
KENDALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The library media specialist "....plays a unique and pivotal role in the learning community. To fulfill this role, the effective library media specialist draws upon vision for the student-centered library media program that is based on three central ideas: collaboration, leadership, and technology."* To realize this vision, the library media specialist serves in four capacities: teacher, instructional partner, information specialist and program administrator.
- American Association of School Librarians. Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Chicago: American Library Association, 1998, pp. 4-5.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans and develops a total library media program to support school objectives.
- Works collaboratively with teachers, administrators and parents to facilitate a learning program supportive of curriculum goals.
- Organizes, maintains and provides access to a collection of materials tailored to the requirements of the curriculum and abilities of the students.
- Creates an atmosphere conducive to learning, and maintains the physical condition of the library and its materials.
- Classifies, catalogs, circulates and retrieves library media materials according to prescribed professional methods.
- Makes new materials available in a timely manner, and follows established procedures for removal of obsolete material.
- Keeps accurate records and maintains a valid inventory.
- Solicits recommendations for purchases of print materials and education software.
- Maintains active file of potential purchases, and secures best prices for materials.
- Directs budget allocations to reflect curriculum requirements.
- Reviews, selects and acquires resources and technology to accommodate the learning styles and multiple intelligences of students.
- Gives instruction in library skills, information retrieval, on line communications, and the use of multimedia materials to members of the school community.
- Provides both study-related and recreational reading guidance to all patrons
- Publicizes information about the library media center with newsletters, public relations announcements, and bibliographies of new materials, displays and special collections.
- Provides orientations for new teachers and students.
- Recruits, trains and supervises clerical help, student assistants and volunteers.
- Promotes interlibrary cooperation with district, public and academic libraries.
- Makes periodic reports as required by state and local authorities.
- Determines learning outcomes, including those in information literacy.
- Integrates information literacy into all curriculum outcomes.
- Participates in committees and attends departmental and faculty meetings.
- Continues to develop expertise by participating in classes and workshops.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
- Experience working with adolescents
- Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Effective, active listening skills
- Ability to work effectively with others
- Organizational and problem solving skills
QUALIFICATIONS
- CT Certification Librarian, Grades 1-12 (048) or School Library-Media Specialist (062)
- BS or MA in Library Media
- Experience working as a library media specialist at the middle school level
- Exceptional communication skills
- Spanish speaking preferred
- Experience with Digital Literacy and teaching distance learning in a virtual environment required
Days: Monday - Friday
Salary: In accordance with the NFT contract