BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB TITLE : Library Media Specialist

REPORTS TO : School Principal

DEFINITION : Under direction of the principal, plans and administers the school's library media program. Plans and provides direct instruction to students and training to staff. Manages library media center materials, facilities, and equipment. Communicates the school library media program to administrators, staff, students, parents, and the community. Performs other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

• Plans, implements, and provides a comprehensive program of school library media services. Collaborates with school administrators and staff for the integration of media program resources and media skills with curriculum and instructional programs.
• Creates an environment which encourages all students to utilize information resources and become lifelong readers. Provides leadership for infusion of technologies into the school instructional program.
• Oversees and coordinates the work of clerical and technical staff assigned to the media center.
• Prepares short and long range plans for keeping the resources collection and network technology current.
• Teaches information retrieval skills to students. Prepares students to evaluate the relevancy, authority, and accuracy of sources found on Internet, electronic databases, and in traditional resources.
• Individualizes instruction for special populations such as ESOL, special education, and Gifted and Talented. Instructs students in the use of presentation software, video production, and the development of multimedia productions.
• Plans with school administrators, team leaders and/or resource teachers to provide a comprehensive program for staff development. Coordinates training of school-based staff in the use of electronic resources, multi-media production, telecommunication, and other library media resources.
• Provides access to professional materials for teacher reference and general professional reading, viewing, and listening. Continuously updates personal knowledge about new technologies, learning theories, and instructional strategies to share with staff.
• Evaluates, selects, and maintains a collection of materials from print to the newest information technologies that support the school-wide curriculum and are appropriate to varying levels of student ability and interests.
• Prepares exhibits and displays of new or current materials that support the curriculum. Correlates all new courses of study with resources of the school library media center. Maintains accurate records as required for state, county, and school reports.
• Promotes information access, knowledge and literacy through a variety of activities, visual displays, and communications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education, Training, and Experience :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in an applicable field.

Licenses and Certificates :
Possession of, or eligibility for, a Maryland Certificate commensurate to the position is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of pedagogy. Knowledge of the principles and practices of library science. Knowledge of curriculum. Knowledge of effective instructional techniques. Knowledge of instructional materials and equipment.
• Skill in instructing students. Skill in preparing and implementing lesson plans. Skill in communicating with students, their parents, administrators, and others.
• Technology competency. Knowledge of and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :
The work of this class is generally performed in a school environment. Work may require the ability to move around the school and classroom.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Requires attendance at after-school and evening meetings and events.

COVID-19: Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to providing the highest quality education to BCPS students and staff while ensuring the health and safety of its students, employees, customers, clients, contractors, interns, and other visitors. Please visit https://www.bcps.org/covid19 to learn more.

FLSA STATUS : Exempt

Eligible for membership in the Maryland State Retirement System

This class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.
This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Application Instructions
Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Each time an applicant applies to a job with BCPS, the application must be resubmitted. If an applicant started an application with BCPS in the past and at a later date decides to apply for additional positions, it is the applicant's responsibility to review the entire application and ensure that all data is up to date (for example, the applicant may need to add additional schooling or certifications, an additional work experience, or provide updated references). The applicant must remember to review the entire application each time for accuracy and submit each time for a new or different vacancy.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants should notify their reference proactively to inform them they will receive a form via email through a MAILBOT email address from Baltimore County Public Schools. Applicants should also inform their reference(s) of the job they are applying to.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment, including student teaching and internship experience, and include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of employers.
• Be sure to answer all criminal background questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the criminal background questions you must provide a written explanation. A criminal offense does not necessarily exclude an applicant from employment with BCPS. Factors such as passage of time since the offense, the nature of the violation, and the extent of rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All persons employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (State of Maryland, Senate Bill 315, effective October 1, 1986) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $81.00. An identification card will be issued which must be shown prior to employment.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts for all higher education must be received prior to contract signing.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Badges and Benefits session.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board's nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937). There is a compliance officer responsible for identifying, preventing, and remedying prohibited harassment concerning students. Complaints of harassment should be directed to the executive director, Department of School Safety and Security, 9600 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 118, Baltimore, MD 21220 (443-809-4360).

Contact Information

Shawn Stahl, PHR
Human Resources Officer (HRO)
Office of Staffing
Division of Human Resources
6901 Charles Street, E Building
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone: 443-809-4152
Fax: 410-296-0568
Email: sstahl@bcps.org