Library Media Specialist

Job Description:

Library Media Specialist

Description

Basic Function and Representative Duties

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Principal or District Library Coordinator, perform a variety of specialized library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of books and instructional materials at an assigned elementary school; offer weekly sessions for classes with read-alouds and library skills in coordination with classroom teachers; assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Incumbents in the Library Media Specialist classification work independently and assume responsibility for the library collection, schedule and day-to-day operations of a school library.

Incumbents in the Library Media Technician classification carry out daily library functions such as circulation, distribution of textbooks and instructional materials under the direct supervision of a certificated staff librarian or District Library Coordinator.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform a variety of specialized library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of library books, periodicals and materials at an assigned school site; process new library books and instructional materials; oversee the cataloguing of books and instructional materials

• Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment; respond to inquiries and provide information to students and teachers; assist students in researching instructional materials for classroom use

• Conduct weekly sessions for classes, selecting and reading stories, leading discussions, and discussing books and recommendations; participate in planning library curriculum to support and extend District and classroom curriculum; collaborate with teachers to coordinate planning activities and create a library culture for the school

• Circulate library materials; check library materials in and out to students and staff using an assigned computerized system; shelve returned books and materials; clean, mend, cover and repair damaged books

• Process and receive library materials and equipment orders; prepare new and donated materials for introduction into the library materials collection; verify packing lists, stamp materials, affix bar codes, update and edit electronic records, and update spine labels; re-organize shelves to adapt to shifts in the collection and curricular needs; input related information into assigned computer system; conduct periodic inventory and weeding

• Promote the use of the library to faculty and students; assist students with age-appropriate reading as required; instruct students on using the online library catalogue and other computer software systems

• Monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior in the library

• Maintain a variety of records related to purchase orders, overdue books and assigned activities; establish and maintain filing systems

• Open and close the library according to established procedures; maintain a clean and safe environment in the library

• Prepare displays and bulletin boards to support curriculum, multi-cultural themes, current events, and school and District-wide activities; prepare and rotate book displays

• Operate a variety of office and library equipment including a calculator, copier, typewriter, computer and assigned software; operate audio-visual equipment including a projector, projection screen, speakers and others as assigned; troubleshoot and arrange for repairs of equipment as needed

• Communicate with personnel and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns

• Gather library resources and prepare book lists in response to teacher requests; generate surveys, news materials, e-mails and other materials regarding library resources

• Read professional book reviews and communicate with teaching staff and library personnel to select and recommend titles and on-line resources for purchase to develop the library collection, support classroom assignments and provide high-quality reading materials for students

• Attend meetings, workshops and conferences as assigned

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Functions, operations and maintenance of elementary school libraries

Library practices, procedures, reference materials and terminology

Operation of a computer and data entry and retrieval techniques

Library cataloging and classification

Filing, indexing and inventory procedures

Record-keeping techniques

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

Oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

Modern office practices, procedures and equipment

ABILITY TO:

Perform a variety of technical library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of books and instructional materials

Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment

Learn curriculum, reading levels and collaborate with teachers and district library staff to develop the material collection

Monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior in the library

Read age and subject-appropriate stories to classes

Process and shelve library materials

Inventory, order and receive library materials and equipment

Operation of a computer and assigned software

Maintain files and records

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures

Complete work with many interruptions

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree supplemented by college level coursework in Library and Information Science and two years library media or other related experience

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language.

Working Conditions and Additional Information

ENVIRONMENT:

Library environment

Constant interruptions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student behavior

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects typically weighing 50 - 75 pounds

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to shelve and retrieve books

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to shelve and retrieve books

EXAMINATION WEIGHT:

Assessments may consist of a written, oral and/or performance examinations.

FIRST EXAMINATION: 50%

SECOND EXAMINATION: 50%

Qualified candidates will be notified of the minimum passing points for each examination part. Qualified Applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the Examinations.

OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, Education Code Section 220, and Berkeley Unified School District Policy, no qualified person shall, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, national origin, religion, actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, handicap, age or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity in the Berkeley Unified School District. The Board prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, at any district site and/or activity. The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy."

If there are questions concerning Section 504 or disability accommodations for job applicants/employees under the ADA, please contact the Office of Human Resources, Berkeley Unified School District. If there are questions concerning discrimination on the basis of sex or any of the other classifications noted above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (510) 486-9338.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES): Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum. All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis. This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions. Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District. All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.

VACATION: Regular, non-management, District employees shall accrue vacation as follows:

1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.

4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.

10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.

15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.

Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.

HOLIDAYS: Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)

Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)

New Year's Holiday (2 Days)

Martin Luther King's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday

Washington's Birthday

Spring Board Holiday

Malcolm X's Birthday

Memorial Day

School Year employees may receive sixteen (16) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.

HEALTH AND CHARACTER INVESTIGATIONS:

Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.

Closing Date/Time: 11/14/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$29.39 - $35.82 Hourly