School Library Media

Goals & Objectives, Library Media Job Descriptions

media center

Click here for the Mission Statement.

Goals and Objectives

About Library Media Specialists

Media Assistant Job Description

Media Secretary Job Description

Goals and Objectives

Learning and Teaching

The library media program is essential to learning and teaching and must be fully integrated into the curriculum to promote students' achievement of learning goals.

Develop a thorough knowledge of subject area and grade level curricula, and promote competency in information literacy across the curriculum.
Participate on technology committees at all levels.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to integrate information literacy competencies throughout the teaching and learning process.

The library media program models and promotes collaborative planning and curriculum development.

Use Media Essential Curriculum as a basis for curricular and instructional planning.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to develop curricular content that integrates library media and technology skills, as outlined in the goals and objectives included in the Media Essential Curriculum, as well as Library Media Skills Scope and Sequence.

The library media program models and promotes creative, effective, and collaborative teaching.

Conform to the Howard County Public School System "Framework for Excellence in Teaching and Learning."
Design and implement teaching and learning activities, both individually and in collaboration with teachers and staff, that reflect the best in current research and practice.

Access to the full range of information resources and services through the library media program are fundamental to learning.

Build and maintain expertise in a wide range of resources and technology.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and others to ensure that the full range of information resources is available to promote student learning.
Evaluate, acquire, provide, and promote information resources to meet the learning needs of all learners.

The library media program encourages and engages students in reading, viewing, and listening for understanding and enjoyment.

Model the effective and enthusiastic use of books, videos, multimedia, and other creative expressions of information as sources of pleasure and information.
Work collaboratively and individually to design, develop, and implement programs that encourage reading for enjoyment and for information.

The library media program supports the learning of all students.

Maintain a collection that is diverse in format and content to support the learning needs of students.
Recommend, create, implement, and evaluate resources and activities in various formats to meet students' learning needs.

The library media program integrates the uses of technology for learning and teaching.

Build and maintain expertise in assessing various technology products and processes.
Guide and assist students and staff in the use of new media and technologies.
Model and promote effective uses of technology for learning and teaching.

The library media program is an essential link to the larger learning community.

Orchestrate access to information resources within and beyond the school.
Promote relationships with external information sources, such as public libraries, government agencies, and business organizations, in support of learning.

Information Access and Delivery

The library media program provides intellectual access to information and ideas for learning.

Participate in on-going professional development activities.
Develop and implement, in collaboration with teachers and others, a collection development policy that provides access to current and appropriate resources.
Develop and implement, in collaboration with teachers and others, policies and procedures that provide appropriate access to external resources, such as those available on the Internet.
Assist students and staff through comprehensive reference service and such vehicles as bibliographies and resource lists, in identifying appropriate information resources and their usage.

The library media program provides physical access to information and resources for learning.

Collaborate with administrators, teachers, and others to design and renovate library media center facilities and to identify all physical elements, including informational and instructional technology to be acquired.
Select the most advanced resources and equipment, both traditional and electronic that are appropriate for accessing and producing information related to students' learning needs.
Coordinate the acquisition and circulation of library media materials.
Organize all resources for effective and efficient use.
Encourage flexible access to the programs and services of the library media program.

The library media program provides a climate that is conducive to learning.

Create and maintain an inviting, attractive physical environment within the library media center.
Organize materials, resources, equipment, and space to support learning.

The library media program offers flexible and equitable access to information, ideas, and resources for learning.

Work collaboratively with the learning community to develop and implement policies and practices that make resources, facilities, and professional assistance available at the time of learning.
Maintain an environment that meets the informational needs of all students and teachers.
Encourage the widest possible use of program resources and services.

The collections of the library media program are developed and evaluated collaboratively to support the school's curriculum and to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

Maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum, of students' characteristics and needs, and of instructional and informational resources in the full range of formats and topic areas.
Develop and direct a continuous collection development and evaluation process.
Maintain and use a variety of appropriate, up-to-date tools and techniques to locate and select materials.

The library media program is founded on a commitment to the right of intellectual freedom.

Promote the principles of intellectual freedom by providing services and resources that create and sustain an atmosphere of free inquiry and by serving as an active advocate for intellectual freedom within the school.
Model openness to the ideas and the free and robust debate that are characteristic of a democratic society.
Guard against barriers to intellectual freedom.

The information policies, procedures, and practices of the library media program reflect legal guidelines and professional ethics.

Maintain an in-depth understanding of current legislation and regulations regarding access, copy- right, and other legal issues that affect the library media program.
Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of the library profession regarding intellectual freedom, confidentiality, the rights of users, and other intellectual property concerns.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and others to develop and publicize policies and procedures that advocate compliance with copyright and other relevant laws.
Model ethical and responsible use of information and information technology.

Program Administration

The library media program supports the mission, goals, objectives, and continuous improvement of the school.

Develop and implement a mission statement, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures that reflect the mission, goals, and objectives of the school.
Serve on the school's decision-making body.
Use appropriate administrative channels to ensure that the library media program is understood as essential to the school's instructional program.

In every school, a minimum of one full-time, certified/licensed library media specialist supported by qualified staff is fundamental to the implementation of an effective library media program at the building level.

Interact regularly with supervisory personnel within and beyond library media services at district and other appropriate levels to help ensure that the program is adequately staffed with professional and supporting employees.
Continuously update personal competencies in learning and teaching, information access and delivery, administration and supervision, technology utilization, and other areas to fulfill the requirements of a professional position.
Participate regularly in activities within the district and at other appropriate levels to gain support and feedback for the program and to be aware of efforts and issues beyond the building.
Participate in performance appraisals, both as a supervisor responsible for other staff and as an employee committed to seeking continuous professional development.
Be active in local, state, and national professional organizations and in other professional activities to remain current with recent trends and to contribute to the profession.

An effective library media program requires a level of professional and support staffing that is based upon a school's instructional programs, services, facilities, size, and numbers of students and teachers.

Advocate appropriate numbers of professional and other staff to meet the learning needs of the school's full learning community.
Monitor and supervise technical and clerical staff to facilitate smooth operation of the program.

An effective library media program requires ongoing administrative support.

Initiate collaboration with the principal and other appropriate administrators to develop the mission, goals, and objectives of the library media program.
Communicate regularly with the principal and other appropriate administrators about program plans, activities, and accomplishments.
Participate on the school's administrative team to provide information about financial and other needs of the program.
Encourage the principal and other appropriate administrators to support the school library media program by communicating to all members of the learning community the program's con- tribution to student learning.

Comprehensive and collaborative long-range, strategic planning is essential to the effectiveness of the library media program.

Establish program planning as a priority and devote adequate time and resources to this process on an ongoing basis.
Participate on committees charged with developing and implementing long-range, strategic plans for the school (such as teams for site-based management, school improvement, technology planning, and curriculum development).
Work regularly with teachers, students, administrators, and other members of the learning community to develop and implement long-term, strategic plans that align the library media pro- gram with the school's goals, priorities, and national curriculum standards.

Ongoing assessment for improvement is essential to the vitality of an effective library media program.

Remain current on all issues, methods and tools for assessing library media programs.
Collaborate with staff to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for identifying the needs of the students.
Schedule regular, systematic data collection.
Use information gathering to analyze assessment data.
Make decisions based on the data analysis to develop plans and policies for the continuous improvement of the library media program.
Share annual report results with the school community.

Sufficient funding is fundamental to the success of the library media program.

Work with the staff to determine the school's information and instructional needs.
Administer the budget according to sound accounting procedures and report all expenses as re- quired by local policies.
Maintain current information on the costs of traditional and electronic resources.

Ongoing staff development -- both to maintain professional knowledge and skills and to provide instruction in information literacy for teachers and administrators and other members of the learning community – is an essential component of the library media program.

Maintain current and in-depth knowledge of the research and best practices in all aspects of the field.
Collaborate with staff to identify the students' learning needs.
Offer and promote an ongoing staff development program related to the integration of information technology and the use of information literacy.

Clear communication of the mission, goals, functions and impact of the library media program is necessary to the effectiveness of the program.

Maintain and communicate current knowledge and research findings related to the impact of school library media programs on student learning.
Report regularly to the staff on the program's plans, policies, and achievements.
Develop and maintain an effective advocacy program that demonstrates the value of the program to a broad audience.
Develop a public relations campaign to promote the library media program.

Effective management of human, financial, and physical resources undergirds a strong library media program.

Maintain expertise in strategies and techniques of supervision, scheduling, and all the areas of management responsibility.
Serve on the school's management team and collaborate regularly with staff members.
Report regularly to the administration on the library media program.
Participate in hiring, training, and evaluating all program staff and maintain responsibility for assigning and scheduling staff and volunteers.
Administer the program budget and oversee acquisition and use of space, furnishings, equipment, and resources.
Oversee all aspects of the daily operation of the library media program.

About Library Media Specialists

School library media specialists are the professional, certificated staff members charged with the daily operation of the library media program at the school level. They have the primary responsibility for the major library media center functions (i.e., evaluation and selection; ordering and processing; utilization of media; organization of the library media collection; circulation of library media materials; production of original media; and management of instructional equipment). In the execution of these functions, library media specialists must assume several distinct roles, including:

A consultative role, which includes active consultation with teachers as they plan instruction to ensure the incorporation of appropriate library, media, and technology materials into daily teaching, and to recommend the inclusion of library, media, and technology skills instruction in classroom units
An instructional role, which includes both formal instruction in library, media, and technology skills, as well as informal assistance to students and staff in locating and using library media materials and technology
An administrative role, which includes the daily management of library media center routines, evaluation and selection of library media materials, ordering, circulation control, etc.
A service role, which includes a full range of library media services to teachers and students (i.e., reference services, media production services, bibliographic services, professional library services, instructional television services, etc.)
A technology role, which includes coordinating the technology program in the school and participating in the development of long range technology plans for the school.
As a professional, each library media specialist should consider the benefits of membership in local, state, and national organizations which reflect the concerns of our profession.

Recommended Role of the Library Media Specialist

I. Functions

The library media specialist provides a library media program that supports the curriculum by providing resources and training so that both students and teachers become independent users of information.

II. Duties

Plan with teachers as cooperative partners to integrate curriculum content with resource use and information literacy skills.
Consult with students and staff regarding their needs and interests in relation to the selection and utilization of materials and equipment.
Provide library media center resources that will meet the informational, research, educational, and recreational needs of users.
Provide for the organization, circulation, and maintenance of resources.
Implement policies for effective use of technology through the organization of facilities and equipment, staff assistance, and as the facilitator of the technology committee.
Use direct, formal instruction and indirect, informal instruction to teach specific skills needed for use of the library media center and technology with students and staff.
Coordinate information retrieval for students and staff through print, audiovisual, and electronic sources.
Promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading, viewing, and listening.
Consult with the principal, assistant principal, and faculty members to formulate and implement a mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives for the library media program.
Participate as an active member of the School Improvement Team.
Participate in the development of a long range technology plan for the school.
Analyze curriculum changes and advances in technology to meet the instructional needs of students.
Serve as technology liaison for the school.
Promote the library media center through public relations.
Maintain an inventory of books, computers, equipment, audiovisual materials, and computer software.
Manage various financial accounts.
Prepare reports for the county and state.

Media Assistant Job Description

JOB TITLE: Media Assistant

DEFINITION: This is clerical work in a library media center. An employee in this class, with general supervision from a library media specialist, performs duties as assigned. Performance is reviewed periodically.

EXAMPLES OF WORK (Examples are illustrative only): Types letters, memos, reports, requisitions/purchase orders, direct payments; duplicates/collates; distributes mail, supplies information; assists with collection inventory; orders supplies; files; checks in and circulates newspapers/periodicals; composes letters; researches; operates various office machines and instructional audiovisual equipments; may be required to answer telephone, take messages and answer inquiries within assigned scope of responsibility; assists students and staff with the circulation of library media materials; packs and unpacks cartons; helps with preparation of bulletin boards and learning centers; maintains instructional equipment; assists with instructional lessons/activities; performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Working knowledge of the English language sufficient to understand invoices, catalog cards, and similar material; of common office procedures; of various types of office equipment; of methods of filing. Ability to file alpha-numerically, to prepare and maintain records, to compose letters, to type with moderate speed. Ability to communicate orally with fellow workers, administrators, and students; to understand directions and carry them out.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION: High school diploma or G.E.D.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES: None.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Interest in working with media materials; willingness to learn new tasks and new techniques; to be resourceful and flexible; to like children.

Media Secretary Job Description

JOB TITLE: Media Secretary

DEFINITION: This is clerical work in a library media center. An employee in this class, with general supervision from a library media specialist, performs duties as assigned. Performance is reviewed periodically.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Working knowledge of the English language sufficient to understand invoices, catalog cards, and similar materials; of business English, correspondence, spelling and punctuation; of common office procedures; of various types of office equipment; of methods of filing. Ability to file alpha-numerically, to prepare and maintain records, to compose letters. Ability to communicate orally with fellow workers, administrators, and students; to understand directions and carry them out. Ability to type from rough draft at 45 wpm.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION: High school diploma or G.E.D. Must type a minimum of 45 wpm with no more than 3 errors.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES: None.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Interest in working with media materials; willingness to learn new tasks and new techniques; to be resourceful and flexible; to like children.

Contact: Carol Fritts, Coordinator of Career and Technology Education and Library Media
10920 Route 108
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-313-7179