PS & LS Library Media Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

General Summary : Supports and aligns the School’s mission through developing and administering a school library media program in the PS/LS. Serves the roles of teacher, instructional partner, and information specialist. In fulfilling these roles, the LMS works collaboratively with school administration and faculty to develop a library program that supports the curriculum; provides instructional leadership for the teaching of literacy skills; develops and maintains a media center collection rich in both print and non‐print materials, and manages the media center as a flexible, multi‐task learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops a PS/LS library program that addresses learning and innovation, media and technology literacy, and life and career development.
• Empowers all members of the community to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, curators, and ethical users of information.
• Conduct outreach activities to engage families and the community in library events and services.
• Collaborates and co-teach with classroom teachers and specialists as a partner in the instructional process, to ensure that information literacy skills are embedded systematically throughout the PS/LS curriculum.
• Creates and maintains a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and inviting learning environment that fosters intellectual inquiry.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve an optimal learning environment.
• Develops and maintains an updated diverse collection of print and non-print resources appropriate to the curriculum, learners and instructional strategies to reflect students’ interests.
• Provides leadership and expertise to integrate educational technology tools and resources into library programs to enhance learning experiences, promote digital literacy, and facilitate access to information in various formats.
• Teach students how to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information, fostering critical thinking and inquiry skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.
• Encourages reading in traditional and innovative ways such as social media, digital media, and print, while instilling a love of learning in all students and ensures equitable access to information and resources.
• Models and promotes the ethical use of digital citizenship: copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property.
• Serves as an advocate and a resource for the School’s library programs and services by utilizing a variety of communication and technology tools, in alignment with the School’s mission and strategic plan.
• Manages and adheres to the PS/LS library budget, prepares reports, and maintains documentation for all resources/material orders.
• Manage physical and virtual library operations, including cataloging, circulation, and inventory management, ensuring efficient access to resources and maintaining an organized and welcoming library environment.
• Stays informed about current trends and best practices in library science, education, and children's literature through professional development opportunities, conferences, and networking with peers.
• Attends and participates in professional meetings, including collaborative teams and PS/LS meetings.
• Maintains frequent and timely communication with the community stakeholders.
• Works with community partners and administration to organize author visits.
• Completes other tasks as deemed appropriate by the PS/LS Administration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, and methodologies of teaching and learning, and of current best practices in library and information science.
• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and desire to serve as an advisor to a small group of students.
• Ability to differentiate instruction in mixed ability classrooms.
• Strong understanding of PS/LS students and developmental differences between grades.
• Passion for PS/LS and literature.
• Strong classroom management skills with the ability and the desire to work with a diverse student body.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and maintain positive professional relationships.
• Ability to read, comprehend, follow and give oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use and optimize resources effectively.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong degree of self- direction and motivation.
• High level of maturity, confidentiality, and assertiveness.
• Capable of using tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
• Highly skilled in operating technology.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Library/ Information Science preferably from an ALA-accredited library program.
• WI DPI Library Media Specialist 1902 license (preferred).
• 3-5 years’ experience in PS/LS teaching and library experience grades PK-5.
• Experience with educational technology.
• Experience with coaching (preferred).