The Role of the School Library Media Specialist

Foreword

In 1996 a group of school library media specialists from across the state of Georgia met to redefine the roles and responsibilities document originally contained in You Are the Key."   The results of their efforts reflect the infusion of technology while  reaffirming the commitment to the traditional roles of school library media specialists.  The missions statement and the roles were intended to be broad enough to accommodate interpretation at the local level.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the school library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.  This mission is accomplished as outlined in Information Power, Building Partnerships for Learning (American Association of School Librarians and Association of Educational Communications and Technology, Chicago: 1998):

• by providing intellectual and physical access to materials in all formats,

• by providing instruction to foster competence and stimulate interest in reading, viewing and using information and ideas,

• by working with other educators to design learning strategies to meet the needs of individual students.

Roles and Responsibilities

ROLE I

Provides instructional leadership in the use of information resources and literature.

Responsibilities:

• Plans collaboratively with teachers to integrate literature, resources and information literacy skills into the curriculum.    

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Utilizes an appropriate record of planning.
  	2.  Promotes literature and reading.
  	3.  Assists with instruction and evaluation of collaboratively planned units.
  	4.  Assists teachers in the selection and utilization of appropriate resources, technologies, and general literature.
  	5.  Recommends strategies for the integration of all resources into instruction.

• Develops and provides instructional opportunities with information technologies for staff and students.                                                                            

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Assists students and staff in the access and utilization of resources and technologies.
  	2.  Provides orientation for students and staff as needed.
  	3.  Promotes awareness of outside resources such as public and college libraries, online services and community resources.

• Provides information about and complies with copyright laws.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Disseminates current copyright information to staff and students as appropriate.
  	2.  Seeks outside consultation for clarity on copyright matters when necessary.

•  Collaborates with teachers and students on material production.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Assists students and staff with production activities.
  	2.  Provides instruction in production techniques using a variety of formats.

   ROLE II

Develops, administers, and manages programs and facilities for the use of information resources and technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Develops, evaluates, and revises policies and procedures, and services of the program/center.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Sets short and long term goals for the media program/center.
  	2.  Seeks input from and informs students, staff, and community about the media center, its resources, services, and program.
  	3.  Maintains and uses statistical reports.
  	4.  Coordinates the procedures for challenged materials.

• Provides leadership in  collaborative planning for school technology, resources, and needs.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Serves as a permanent member of the school media/technology committee.
  	2.  Assists in identifying resources that support the curriculum.
  	3.  Coordinates installation and maintenance of hardware and software.
  	4.  Serves a contact person for technology support staff and service vendors.

• Administers and maintains a center and a program that fosters a positive learning environment.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Maintains a flexible, accessible schedule.
  	2.  Supervises student behavior in the Media Center.

• Ensures effective organization of center and resources.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Maintains the Media Center database in accordance with professional standards.
  	2.  Catalogs and processes resources purchase for circulation.
  	3.  Maintains the Media Center network, including effective circulation and retrieval systems.
  	4.  Promotes the appropriate use of online resources, such as the Internet.
  	5.  Disseminates information about the Acceptable Use Policy and monitors that policy within the Media Center.
  	6.  Facilitates distance learning resources by managing satellite and cable reception and disseminating information regarding educational programming.
  	7.  Inspects, maintains, and weeds all Media Center resources.

• Selects and orders resources consistent with system policies and with school curriculum needs.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Analyzes the Media Center collection based on curriculum and instructional needs.
  	2.  Seeks input for collection development and uses appropriate selection tools.
  	3.  Maintains a consideration file for future purchases.
  	4.  Prepares purchase orders consistent to administrative guidelines.
  	5.  Monitors the Media Center budget.
  	6.  Provides assistance with software and hardware evaluation and acquisition by serving on school and system-wide committees and consulting with appropriate vendors.

• Provides supervision and leadership for staff including clerical, paraprofessional and technical.

  SAMPLE TASKS
  	1.  Assists with interviews and evaluations.
  	2.  Ensures proper training.
  	3.  Provides daily supervision and guidance.

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Copyright 2003, Georgia Library Media Association