Media and Research Specialist – Middle School – (Townsend, MA)
Posted August 1, 2023
The essential functions or duties listed below and on attachments are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Teaching Functions:
Media Literacy: In today’s media-saturated environment, media literacy is essential for students. The library media curriculum helps students critically analyze media messages, understand biases, and differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of information. It empowers them to become discerning consumers and creators of media content.
Information Literacy: The library media curriculum helps students develop essential information literacy skills. It teaches them how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and responsibly. These skills are crucial in today’s digital age, where students are constantly exposed to vast amounts of information from various sources.
Research Skills: The library media curriculum equips students with research skills necessary for academic success. It teaches them how to formulate research questions, locate relevant resources, and analyze and synthesize information. These skills empower students to conduct in-depth investigations and develop critical thinking abilities.
Digital Literacy: In an increasingly digital world, digital literacy is essential. The library media curriculum helps students navigate digital tools and resources, including online databases, e-books, and multimedia materials. It teaches them how to use technology effectively and ethically, fostering their digital citizenship and preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.
Reading Promotion: Libraries play a crucial role in promoting reading and fostering a love for literature. The library media curriculum exposes students to a wide range of books and encourages them to explore different genres and authors. By providing access to diverse reading materials, libraries contribute to enhancing students’ reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities.
Collaboration and Communication: The library media curriculum provides opportunities for collaboration and communication. Students engage in group projects, discussions, and presentations, fostering teamwork and interpersonal skills. The library space often serves as a hub for collaborative work, promoting peer learning and knowledge sharing.
Cultural and Global Awareness: Libraries offer a diverse range of resources that expose students to different cultures, perspectives, and global issues. The library media curriculum encourages students to explore these resources, fostering cultural understanding, empathy, and global awareness. It helps students develop a broader worldview and prepares them to be informed global citizens.
Lifelong Learning: The library media curriculum instills a love for learning and encourages lifelong learning habits. By providing access to a wide range of resources and promoting independent inquiry, the library supports students in pursuing their interests beyond the classroom. The skills and knowledge gained through the library media curriculum serve as a foundation for continuous personal and academic growth.
As program manager:
Promote flexible scheduling
Manage schedules, circulation policies, maintenance, utilization of library facilities, and assist in hardware repair
Weed collection as needed
Implements policies that respect the rights of users to confidentiality and to information resources following School Committee policy guidelines
Creates and maintains collection development process; includes maintenance, cataloging, weeding, inventory, purchasing
Train and supervise Paraprofessional, student staff, and volunteers
Market library use to students, staff and parents
Any other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Library Science preferred; Bachelor’s Degree required. Valid Massachusetts Teaching License as a Library Media Specialist is required.
Skills and Abilities:
Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively prepare lesson plans in accordance with district curriculum and the state Curriculum Frameworks. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, parents, teachers, and the general public.
Abilities: Must possess the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; ability to work effectively with all staff at all levels of the
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; for example, school supplies and books.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.
The noise level in the library environment is moderate to loud.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, or hear; will be required to walk, must be able to handle, or feel objects, medical instruments; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.
How to Apply
Apply through SchoolSpring. Job ID 4367096