The Library Media Specialist serves as an instructional leader who advocates for and works towards access for all to information, media and literature in a variety of forms and for diverse purposes. As an instructional leader, the Library Media Specialist acts as an advocate and support for information access, a teacher, instructional consultant, and media manager to ensure that the library media operations and resources are a fully integrated part of the instructional program of the school and promote contemporary learners and learning.

A. INFORMATION SPECIALIST and ADVOCATE FOR INFORMATION ACCESS 1. Provides leadership and expertise in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of information resources and technologies in all formats, as well as expertise in the ethical use of information. 2. Assists users in developing skills for responsible use and interpretation of print and non-print resources housed in and outside the library media center. 3. Allows student choice in resource selection to meet learner preferences and needs; encourages feedback and consults with learners to shape range of resources provided and supported. 4. Provides equitable and varied access to high quality resources to support curriculum-based research as well as personal interest and recreational reading. 5. Facilitates access to resources outside the school by networking with other information agencies such as the division-wide media center, public, academic and special libraries, on-line databases, and local and wide area networks, and those found through active engagement in online and offline professional communities and social networks. 6. Researches effective access paths including free and open source tools that support Universal Design for Learning and differentiated instruction; B. TEACHER / INSTRUCTIONAL CONSULTANT 1. Provides recreational/research reader advisory based on knowledge of individual students’ interests, abilities, and special needs including those on individualized education plans and receiving intervention services. 2. Differentiates literacy support and provides a variety of resources (print, audio and electronic). 3. Recommends, promotes, and purchases resources based on student interest, skill/reading level, and curriculum requirements. 4. Uses knowledge of national, state, and local curriculum, information literacy standards, and AASL standards for the 21st Learner to construct lessons; uses standards to set expectations for students. 5. Varies instruction on research strategies, independent book selection, and online resource selection in response to student needs. 5. Works collaboratively with staff to plan and adapt instruction to meet the needs of individual students and acts as a resource for teachers as they plan instruction and instructional interventions. 6. Supports faculty understanding that technology is integral to information literacy instruction and provides extensive, appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology (e.g. online databases, audio and ebooks). 7. Collaborates with faculty and students to facilitate student use of technology in the library media center to support student-led inquiry, communication, and publication. 8. Monitors student learning by continually assessing student growth and work within instructional environment then adjusts instruction accordingly. 9. Maximizes availability of library space, time, and resources for student use - at class level, for small groups, and for individual students; and, C. MEDIA and MEDIA CENTER MANAGER 1. Creates an open environment for learning, communication, and creation to help students learn to navigate contemporary learning spaces, both physical and virtual. 2. Provides flexible learning spaces for large and small groups and supports the development of student responsibility. 3. Provides 24/7 access to library resources for both students and teachers. 4. Promotes the use of online databases. 5. Researches and makes available relevant resources and links to support the curriculum and specific projects. 6. Purchases and maintains access to a range of materials including audio and ebooks as appropriate for the local school community. 7. Conducts periodic collection analyses including the use of circulation data. 8. Provides mechanisms for patron input to determine collection development needs. 9. Offers an annual program of events and activities that engage students in positive learning experiences and foster lifelong learning. 10. Invites parents to visit or participate in library activities; invites community groups to participate in library activities. Performs related duties as required.

Thorough knowledge of and skill in contemporary instructional methods and presentation strategies for student learners. Working knowledge of current standard school library media center practices. Facility with contemporary media resources and learning networks. Ability to create an active learning environment that fosters mutual respect and lifelong learning. Communications skills with fellow teachers, teaching assistants, school division staff, parents and the community.

Must meet state licensure guidelines as a Library Media Specialist in the state of Virginia.

Duties performed typically in school settings to include classroom, gym, cafeteria auditorium, and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting up to 40 pounds, and other limited physical activities are required. Occasional travel with student on field trips may be necessary. Occasional movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required. Occasional lifting of equipment such as audio-visuals weighing up to 50 pounds may be required. Occasional attendance to parent conferences, building-level meetings and division wide meetings and training activities beyond normal working hours is necessary. Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members, parents and medical professionals may be required. Contacts with community and division-level staff may require considerable tact and diplomacy.

Performance will be evaluated on ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.