Library Media Specialist

Library Media Specialist Greenwich Public Schools seeks an outstanding library media specialist for Riverside Elementary School. The Library Media Specialist (LMS) provides students and teaching staff with an enriching Library Media Center/Library Learning Commons (Library) environment with a wide range of reading and other educational/instructional materials and resources. The LMS maintains a library collection at the school site, utilizing library resources to develop and deliver age-appropriate curriculum-based programs for students, staff, and the school community as needed. The LMS collaborates with teaching and administrative staff, optimizing teaching and learning experiences within the curriculum and encouraging exploration of interests appropriate to the level of the school. The LMS supports a shared vision for empowered learning with and through technology integration. The LMS manages and facilitates effective use of the Library spaces and resources. Essential Responsibilities Teacher/Instructional Partner: Plans and delivers lessons, incorporating the GPS curricula, research and information literacy, digital literacy and citizenship, connections to literature, and tech operations and communication objectives as appropriate; Collaborates with classroom teachers, co-teaches lessons, provides curated resources, and creates new resources/instructional materials when possible; Encourages independent and class-based reading selections and literature appreciation through reader advisory, displays, and activities such as book talks; and Serves as a resource and advocate for technology integration across all subject areas, collaborating with teachers to develop innovative lessons and projects. Resource Curator: Builds and maintains a comprehensive collection of print and non-print materials that supports the school curricula, appropriately addresses the wide range of student interests and learning styles, and serves the school community: Uses approved selection process to evaluate and requisition appropriate books, print resources, online resources and keeps the school community informed regarding new acquisitions for use in the Library; Uses approved deselection process to weed outdated, obsolete, or damaged materials from the collection, and replace as needed; and Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging and lending all Library resources; assists the school community with using the system. Technology Specialist: Supports the role of technology in instruction, student learning, and professional development; Actively uses district-purchased and approved materials and technology to boost student learning; and Provides guidance and instruction to students on the safe and effective use of tools and technologies. Communicator: Curates and oversees the creation of Library displays; Ensures effective communication with administrators, teachers, students, and parents; and Updates the school website at the request of the principal or building leader during contractual school hours. Library Program and Events Coordinator: Plans and/or cooperates in planning school Library and district Library Media Department events; Supports school and district programming to enhance student learning; and Oversees and manages the utilization of Library spaces for Media programs for individuals and groups. Library Facilities Manager: Administers, operates, and supervises the Library physical and virtual space, setting annual goals and developing strategies to optimize services and efficiencies while fostering an encouraging atmosphere for the school community; Trains and supervises Library support staff and volunteers as applicable; Oversees and administers the Library budget; Requisitions other necessary supplies and equipment and maintains Library inventory records; and Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the Library. Professional Learning Provider: Designs and delivers professional learning to staff in the building or at the district level; Creates print and non-print curriculum resources and training tutorials for district online tools and resources as needed; and Supports building and district professional learning. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Professional Expectations: Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the library media and educational fields by reading widely, attending seminars, workshops, conferences, or professional meetings, or by conducting research; Stays current on emerging technologies, age-appropriate literature, and trends in education, sharing insights and best practices with colleagues; and Serves on school and district professional committees as needed. Knowledge of: Information literacy, digital citizenship, and the research process; Grade-level appropriate literature and authors; Curricula taught at the building level (Pre-K-5, 6-8, or 9-12); Basic platforms for learning management system, productivity, student information system, and library management system; Principles of intellectual freedom and applications of copyright; and Applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. Skills and Abilities: Maintains current and competent technological skills in using and troubleshooting district-approved devices and applications for teaching and learning; Maintains basic website editing skills; Produces and provides accurate and effective reports and studies pertaining to library media as needed to building or district administration, or other appropriate agencies; Engages in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth; and Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with others contacted during work. Equipment Use of district-issued digital tools. Qualifications Profile CT State Certification, or certifiability, in School Library Media Specialist (#062) preferred; candidates who can attain durational certification based on sufficient university credits in library media science, or technology, will be considered. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. The Greenwich Public School District is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. The District does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.