2026-2027 Library Media Specialist-Middle Level

The job of Library Media Specialist is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for instructing students on the proper use of the library resources; developing and implementing a library program that provides equitable physical and intellectual access; integrating multiple literacies into instruction; supervising clerical functions related to collection, processing, circulation, maintenance, and inventory of library materials, documenting losses and monitoring procedures; implementing age-appropriate programs for students utilizing library resources; and selecting appropriate items in support of classroom instruction.

This job reports to Principal

Essential Functions

• Assists teachers, students, and administrators for the purpose of identifying resource materials for use in classroom and/or class assignments.
• Collaborates with others (e.g. professional learning community, instructional staff, administrators, students, parents and a variety of community resources, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining and/or improving library services.
• Conducts lessons in a variety of formats (e.g. reading, lessons, story telling, contest, special events, etc.) for the purpose of promoting the use and enjoyment of literature.
• Consistent interaction with students for the purpose of educating students.
• Coordinates requests of individuals and/or sites (e.g. technical support, equipment requirements, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of technological equipment for instructional use.
• Evaluates media equipment (e.g. diagnosing malfunctions, recommending acquisitions, etc.) for the purpose of determining current technology needs.
• Instructs students and teachers on the library as a resource for the purpose of supporting the educational process and enriching student learning.
• Maintains materials inventory (e.g. library books, library hardware/software, media equipment, and related instructional materials, etc.) for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and ensuring the availability of materials when required.
• Monitors student activities for the purpose of maintaining a safe environment conducive to learning.
• Participates in department meetings, in-service training, workshops, committees (e.g. professional learning community, staff meetings, technology committees, curriculum teams, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Performs personnel functions (e.g. interviewing, selecting, training, supervising, evaluating, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing and ensuring that standards are achieved and performance is maximized.
• Performs operating checks on media equipment for the purpose of ensuring availability of equipment for school site use.
• Prepares manual and electronic documents and reports (e.g. budgets, collection statistics, scheduling reports/requests, renewal information, costs, newsletters, monthly and annual reports, etc.) for the purpose of providing documentation and information to others.
• Responds to inquiries of students, staff, parents (e.g. availability of books, finding appropriate reference documents, status of overdue fines, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or direction as required.
• Schedules library availability (e.g. flexible access, regular class time, before and after school, etc.) for the purpose of fostering an accommodating environment and ensuring library usage for all students and faculty.
• Selects quality materials (e.g. digital, visual, textual, technological, etc.) for the purpose of supporting professional, curricular, and individual needs of students, teachers, and administrators.
• Serves as an instructional coach (e.g. the use of technology, principals of intellectual freedom, information retrieval skills, literature appreciation, etc.) for the purpose of supporting classroom teachers.
• Supervises clerical functions (e.g. collection, processing, circulation, maintenance, inventory, discarding, repairing, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performances and delivering services in a timely fashion.
• Trains students and teachers in the effective use of technology for the purpose of promoting the use of technology as an information resource and enhancing the ability to use new and/or existing technologies.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

JobRequirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: library practices, terminology and procedures; age-appropriate literature; computer and internet operations; and concepts of grammar and punctuation.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing effective working relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; displaying mechanical aptitude; working with frequent interruptions; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to effect the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and some fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 45% walking, and 35% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.

Experience:

Job related experience is required.

Education:

Bachelors degree in job-related area.

Equivalency:

Required Testing:

Certificates and Licenses

Missouri Teaching Certificate/Library Media Certification

Continuing Educ. / Training:

Clearances