Library Media Specialist (Elementary)

Waterbury Public Schools; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterbury Public Schools is seeking a Library Media Specialist to lead the school library media program and technology lab, delivering information literacy instruction and access to educational resources for all students.

The role involves collaborating with teachers to integrate library services into the curriculum, managing budgets, supervising staff, and guiding technology-enabled instruction to meet diverse learner needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• CT School Library Media Specialist endorsement required.
• Valid Connecticut teaching certificate/endorsement appropriate to the assignment.
• Experience managing school site collections and selecting/acquiring materials.
• Membership and compliance with continuing education requirements for re-certification.

Responsibilities

• Administers a library program with technology integration.
• Collaborates with staff to plan and implement standards and curriculum.
• Develops and manages budget and resource planning.
• Supervises paraprofessionals and support staff.
• Reports program outcomes to teachers and administrators.

Skills

Information literacy

Curriculum integration

Collaboration

Technology instruction

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

CT School Library Media Specialist endorsement

Teaching certificate/endorsement

Tools

Library catalog systems

Information technology equipment

Job description

Overview

This position is accountable for establishing and coordinating the services of the school library‑media center and technology lab appropriate to the educational needs of all students. The Library Media Specialist provides a full spectrum of educational enrichment materials to ensure that students in the school find instructional and non‑instructional materials appropriate to their interests, abilities, and maturity levels, and ensures that students and teachers are effective users of information and ideas by providing instruction in the use of technology.

Reports to: Principal or other administrative official of a higher grade.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience managing school site collections and selecting/acquiring materials and equipment.
• Previous teaching and/or related school experience.
• Valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement(s) appropriate to the teaching assignment, including School Library Media Specialist - 062 endorsement.
• Membership and compliance with continuing education requirements for re‑certification.
• Possession of a valid Motor Vehicle operator's license (may be required).
• Knowledge and mastery of information literacy standards for student learning, including creation and maintenance of programs for a broad learning community.
• Knowledge of a variety of strategies for communication, information access, technology operation, instructional resources, and collaborative planning.
• Abilities to locate, evaluate, and use information; to teach technology use; to design and manage library and technology programs; to communicate effectively with all stakeholders; to supervise support staff; and to stay current with new technologies and trends.
• Abilities to recognize developmental growth patterns, collaborative needs, and positive learning climates; to manage policies, procedures, and resources; to interact with parents and community groups; and to employ evaluation methods for program improvement.
• Abilities to use, evaluate, and address accessibility, equity, and resource allocation; to integrate the library media program into curriculum; and to support diverse learning styles.

Position Supervises

• May direct the work of paraprofessionals and clerical staff as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Administers a program that provides learning experiences utilizing technology and resources accessed from classrooms or other locations outside the library information center.
• Analyzes instructional and technological requirements and recommends staffing and training necessary to meet learning and information needs.
• Assists teachers and learners in developing appropriate activities for assessing the effectiveness of the curriculum.
• Assists teachers and staff in developing connections among subjects, standards, and learning strategies.
• Assists teachers in finding, evaluating, and developing additional resources and interdisciplinary connections.
• Builds support for the library media program through influence strategies.
• Catalogs, classifies, and arranges information resources in various forms and media according to recognized standards.
• Collaborates and communicates with all staff, especially technology staff, to identify and use learning technologies needed by students.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers in creating and implementing standards, goals, and visions.
• Collaborates with teachers in creating integrated classroom assignments and projects.
• Collaborates with the learning community to ensure the library information program meets individual student needs.
• Collaborates with technology department to plan budgets, purchase software and hardware, and ensure compatibility.
• Communicates effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and the community.
• Contributes to school curriculum by attending meetings.
• Co‑teaches and mentors classroom teachers on projects and assignments.
• Creates and implements the library media program.
• Maintains inviting, attractive physical spaces that encourage a positive learning climate.
• Demonstrates leadership in curricular planning and assessment; engages in continuous evaluation to improve teaching and learning.
• Develops budget and locates funding sources for resources.
• Develops action plans in conjunction with the technology specialist for new resources and technologies.
• Develops facility plans for learning technology systems.
• Encourages and assists students to seek information from diverse sources and contexts.
• Encourages and engages students in reading, viewing, and listening.
• Encourages and guides students to produce and communicate information and ideas.
• Encourages collaboration with technology specialists and others.
• Ensures policies on information use and distribution are reviewed and approved by governing bodies.
• Establishes and maintains ties with community information resources and services.
• Establishes effective interpersonal relationships that demonstrate understanding of curriculum objectives.
• Establishes, maintains, and supervises the library resource program and support personnel.
• Facilitates students’ development of information literacy skills.
• Guides students to distinguish among facts, points of view, and opinions.
• Identifies examples demonstrating the program's impact on student achievement.
• Implements courses and content for students using distance learning technologies.
• Involves parents in library activities and communicates with them.
• Maintains a positive teaching and learning climate in the library media center.
• Maintains centralized systems for bibliographic control, materials circulation, and information distribution.
• Models and promotes collaborative planning and curriculum development.
• Models continuous learning through membership in professional organizations and participation in staff development.
• Models effective use of print and non‑print materials.
• Organizes information resources aligning with literacy standards and curriculum.
• Participates as a partner and change agent in curriculum development.
• Participates in collaborative planning of interdisciplinary instruction.
• Participates on committees charged with strategic plans for school improvement, technology, and curriculum.
• Participates on the school's curricular decision‑making body.
• Plans and administers a program that contributes to student learning, using technology skills.
• Plans and implements access to and delivery of resources and services.
• Plans instruction collaboratively with teachers and community members.
• Plans, develops, and maintains a management system for print and non‑print resources, equipment, and learning technologies.
• Provides expert instruction in research techniques and strategies applicable to content areas.
• Provides instruction in the five cross‑disciplinary abilities as they apply to CT Learning Standards.
• Provides opportunities for students to seek information for personal interest and self‑improvement.
• Provides reading, listening, and viewing guidance to students and community members.
• Recommends appropriate resources and activities for individual learning needs.
• Reports program assessment results regularly to teachers, students, administrators, and community members.
• Responds to developmental levels, disabilities, gifts, talents, diverse cultural backgrounds, and styles of information access.
• Serves as a reference person, teacher, and mentor for student learning issues.
• Stays current with new information and technology trends.
• Supervises support staff and plans for the effective operation of the library program.
• Supervises, schedules, and administers all aspects of the program’s operation.
• Supports teachers and students in selecting interest‑based materials.
• Teaches students how to structure searches across various sources and formats.
• Encourages respect for intellectual freedom, copyrights, and responsible technology use.
• Teaches use of computers and technology-based resources for instruction.
• Uses strategies to build collaborative teams for interdisciplinary learning.
• Uses active listening skills to assist learners in locating and evaluating information.
• Guides reference and search processes with students of all ages.
• Encourages integration of the library program into instructional programs.
• Uses probing questions and reflective listening strategies to clarify information needs and develop metacognitive skills.
• Uses data analysis to make decisions and develop policies for continuous improvement.
• Works cooperatively with technology department and other educators to provide flexible access to resources and technology systems.
• Works with students to assist with production applications and resource analysis for word processing and graphic presentations.
• Performs related duties as required.

Working Conditions

The position involves significant physical and mental demands. Duties include standing, walking, sitting, driving, lifting up to 100 + lbs., and operating various physical and environmental conditions. The role requires flexibility in schedules, occasional travel, and the ability to work in diverse learning environments. An annual physical examination may be required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.