Library Media Specialist (PK-8) Job at Waterbury Public Schools in Waterbury

Overview

Library Media Specialist (PK-8) at Waterbury Public Schools. The role establishes and coordinates the services of the school library-media center and technology lab to meet the educational needs of all students, provides instructional resources, and teaches information literacy and information technology use to foster reading, viewing and using information and ideas.

Reports To

Receives administrative direction from the Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade.

FLSA Designation

Exempt

Part I – Summary of Classification

This class is accountable for establishing and coordinating the services of the school library-media center and technology lab appropriate to the educational needs of all students; providing a full spectrum of educational enrichment materials to ensure that students will find available instructional and non-instructional materials appropriate to their interests, abilities, and level of maturity; and making sure students and teachers are effective users of information and ideas by providing instruction in the use of technology to foster competence and stimulate interest in reading, viewing and using information and ideas.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor\'s degree from an accredited college or university.


• Experience with managing school site collections and the selection/acquisition of materials and equipment.


• Previous teaching and/or related school experience.

Special Requirements

• A thorough background investigation may be made prior to appointment.


• Credentials: Possession of a valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement appropriate to the teaching assignment (School Library Media Specialist — 062 Endorsement).


• Incumbents may be required to possess and retain a current Motor Vehicle operator\'s license.


• Continuing Education Requirements: Teachers in this job class must complete all State CEU requirements for recertification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and mastery of information literacy standards for student learning; ability to create and maintain a program for a broad learning community.


• Knowledge of strategies for communicating with various constituencies and the operation of information-delivery devices.


• Knowledge of information literacy and production-based technologies that enhance learning and teaching.


• Knowledge of current and developmentally appropriate resources and the strategies for guiding intellectual access to information.


• Knowledge of methods of collaboration with other members of the learning community to meet individual learning needs.


• Ability to teach students how to locate, evaluate, and use information using technology; ability to plan, implement and assess information literacy programs.


• Ability to create inviting physical spaces that support a positive learning climate; ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and the community.


• Ability to supervise library staff and paraprofessionals; model collaborative planning and curriculum development; and align the library program with school goals.


• Ability to stay current with new information and trends in technology and dissemination strategies.


• Ability to understand school curriculum and standards and how library media supports them; ability to work with diverse learners and communities.


• Ability to plan and acquire materials and resources; understand budgeting, maintenance, and coordination with technology staff.


• Ability to plan, develop and maintain a management system for print and non-print resources; ability to teach and guide information literacy; ability to guide independent learning.


• Ability to collaborate with technology staff on software/hardware compatibility and to plan budgets and purchases.


• Ability to communicate with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and the community; ability to participate in curriculum planning and improvements.


• Ability to facilitate students\' development of information literacy skills; guide students to distinguish facts, points of view, and opinions.

Position Supervise

• May direct the work of paraprofessionals and clericals as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Administers a program that provides learning experiences utilizing technology and resources accessed from classrooms or other locations outside the library information center.


• Analyzes instructional and technological requirements and features of the school to recommend appropriate staffing and training to meet learning and information needs and ensure program effectiveness.


• Assists teachers and learners in developing activities for assessing curriculum effectiveness.


• Assists teachers and students in finding, evaluating, and developing additional resources; helps create interdisciplinary connections using resources and technologies.


• Builds support for the library media program through effective use of influence strategies.


• Catalogs, classifies, and arranges information resources according to recognized standards.


• Collaborates with staff, especially the technology personnel, to identify and use learning technologies to meet information needs.


• Collaborates with classroom teachers to align content-area standards, goals, and projects.


• Collaborates with others to ensure the library program meets individual learning needs.


• Plans budgets and purchases software and hardware to meet curriculum needs and supports the library information center and classrooms.


• Coordinates with technology staff on software/hardware compatibility; communicates with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and the community.


• Promotes curriculum development and assessment; develops an inviting learning environment.


• Plans and maintains a library information program; ensures equitable access to information resources.


• Mentors teachers and students in information literacy, search strategies, and responsible use of information and technology.


• Develops relationships with information resources in the broader community; participates in district curriculum planning and school improvement processes.


• Plans and implements access to a full range of information resources and services through the library media program; supports learning through distance learning when available.


• Maintains centralized systems for bibliographic control and information distribution; oversees library resource operations and staff supervision as needed.


• Performs related duties as required.

Working Conditions, Physical and Mental Requirements

Employees in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain the ability to perform duties of the class. A physical examination may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.