Library Media Specialist

Greenwich Public Schools seeks a library media specialist for Riverside Elementary School.

Position Purpose

The Library Media Specialist (LMS) provides students and teaching staff with an enriching Library Media Center/Library Learning Commons (Library) environment with a wide range of reading and other educational/instructional materials and resources. The LMS maintains a library collection at the school site, utilizing library resources to develop and deliver age-appropriate curriculum-based programs for students, staff, and the school community as needed. The LMS collaborates with teaching and administrative staff, optimizing teaching and learning experiences within the curriculum and encouraging exploration of interests appropriate to the level of the school.  The LMS supports a shared vision for empowered learning with and through technology integration. The LMS manages and facilitates effective use of the Library spaces and resources

• Plans and delivers lessons, incorporating the GPS curricula, research and information literacy, digital literacy and citizenship, connections to literature, and tech operations and communication objectives as appropriate;
• Collaborates with classroom teachers, co-teaches lessons, provides curated resources, and creates new resources/instructional materials when possible;
• Encourages independent and class-based reading selections and literature appreciation through reader advisory, displays, and activities such as book talks; and
• Serves as a resource and advocate for technology integration across all subject areas, collaborating with teachers to develop innovative lessons and projects. 

• Builds and maintains a comprehensive collection of print and non-print materials that supports the school curricula, appropriately addresses the wide range of student interests and learning styles, and serves the school community:
  • Uses approved selection process to evaluate and requisition appropriate books, print resources, online resources and keeps the school community informed regarding new acquisitions for use in the Library; 
  • Uses approved deselection process to weed outdated, obsolete, or damaged materials from the collection, and replace as needed; and
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging and lending all Library resources; assists the school community with using the system.

• Supports the role of technology in instruction, student learning, and professional development;
• Actively uses district-purchased and approved materials and technology to boost student learning; and
• Provides guidance and instruction to students on the safe and effective use of tools and technologies.

• Curates and oversees the creation of Library displays;   
• Ensures effective communication with administrators, teachers, students, and parents; and
• Updates the school website at the request of the principal or building leader during contractual school hours.

• Plans and/or cooperates in planning school Library and district Library Media Department events;
• Supports school and district programming to enhance student learning; and
• Oversees and manages the utilization of Library spaces for Media programs for individuals and groups.

• Administers, operates, and supervises the Library physical and virtual space, setting annual goals and developing strategies to optimize services and efficiencies while fostering an encouraging atmosphere for the school community; 
• Trains and supervises Library support staff and volunteers as applicable;
• Oversees and administers the Library budget;
• Requisitions other necessary supplies and equipment and maintains Library inventory records; and
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the Library.

• Designs and delivers professional learning to staff in the building or at the district level;
• Creates print and non-print curriculum resources and training tutorials for district online tools and resources as needed; and
• Supports building and district professional learning.

• Professional Expectations:
  • Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the library media and educational fields by reading widely, attending seminars, workshops, conferences, or professional meetings, or by conducting research;
  • Stays current on emerging technologies, age-appropriate literature, and trends in education, sharing insights and best practices with colleagues; and
  • Serves on school and district professional committees as needed.
• Knowledge of:
  • Information literacy, digital citizenship, and the research process;
  • Grade-level appropriate literature and authors;
  • Curricula taught at the building level (Pre-K-5, 6-8, or 9-12);
  • Basic platforms for learning management system, productivity, student information system, and library management system;
  • Principles of intellectual freedom and applications of copyright; and
  • Applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Skills and Abilities:
  • Maintains current and competent technological skills in using and troubleshooting district-approved devices and applications for teaching and learning; 
  • Maintains basic website editing skills;
  • Produces and provides accurate and effective reports and studies pertaining to library media as needed to building or district administration, or other appropriate agencies;
  • Engages in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth; and
  • Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with others contacted during work.

• Use of district-issued digital tools.  

• CT State Certification, or certifiability, in School Library Media Specialist (#062) preferred; candidates who can attain durational certification based on sufficient university credits in library media science, or technology, will be considered