KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Description 

Job Title:             Library Media Specialist 

Job Title Code:    00849

Salary Grade:      T01L –T06L

Department:       Office of Digital Learning

Reports To:         Office of Digital Learning

FLSA Status:       Exempt

Date Prepared:   November 2017    Revised  2019;  Jan 2023

PURPOSE OF JOB: 

To provide all students with an enriched library environment containing a wide variety and range of materials that will support the rigor of the Missouri Learning Standards and aid all students in acquiring the 21st century skills needed to take full advantage of library resources. The incumbent will collaborate with building faculty and staff to bring technology integration to a higher level across the entire school. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

WITH STUDENTS:

• Maintains schedule to ensure adequate circulation of library materials.
• Maintains schedule to provide instruction aligned with national and state library standards and learning expectations within and outside the library setting (including, but not limited to Digital Citizenship, MLS, ISTE and Future Ready standards) in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Promotes the appropriate and ethical conduct of students using library facilities and various types of media.
• Helps students to attain the skills necessary for independent reference work and use of digital and print resources for independent and non-independent learning.
• Gives reading guidance to students who need reading support .
• Supports students in pursuing individual intellectual interests.
• Makes provisions for library resources to be available to students and parents throughout and outside the instructional day.

WITH TEACHERS:

• Collaborates with classroom teachers to develop, differentiate, and present lessons using digital and print resources in support of the KCPS curriculum.
• Collaborates with teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials and makes library materials available to supplement the instructional program.
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all library materials and instructs teachers and students on use of the system.
• Provides professional development and coaching to staff on digital and print resources available to students for independent research and for developing future ready skills.
• Works collaboratively with Instructional Coaches, Department Chairs/Team Leads and PD Chairs to provide support in incorporating digital learning and research skills in the classroom.

BUILDING LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates and supervises the library(s) to which they are assigned.
• Circulates books to all students (K-12) in support of independent reading.
• Supports classroom instruction through librarian taught or co-taught lessons.
• Supports classroom instruction through digital learning support and professional development (i.e, district LMS, SIS and content agnostic digital learning resources).
• Manages the library budget to spend all monies in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Evaluates, selects, and requisitions new library materials with input from teachers and maintains a diverse, relevant and culturally responsive library collection that reflects the student population.
• Arranges and frequently updates book-related displays, bulletin boards, and exhibits of interest to students.
• Participates in implementation of the district’s school improvement plan.
• Regularly communicates and/or collaborates with building-level administration concerning library resources, planning, etc.
• Works with district and community partners to enhance the library program.
• Serves as part of the school leadership/instructional team.

DISTRICT LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attends scheduled librarian meetings.
• Attends district-wide professional development on library skills, technology integration, and other key curriculum and instruction professional development.
• Attends professional development opportunities for librarians at local, state, and/or national level.
• Attends assessment training on district and state on-line assessments.
• Participates in implementation of the district’s school improvement plan.
• Regularly communicates and/or collaborates with district-level administration concerning library resources, planning, etc.
• Participates in the exchange of library books/materials between schools and district partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education from a four-year College or University.
• Missouri State Certification as School Librarian (K-12) or Library Media Specialist (K-12).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in instructional technology integration and teaching with technology best practices.
• Knowledge of Google, Apple and Microsoft apps and resources.
• Experience in leading professional development and peer coaching.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

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.  

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects of at least ten pounds.  The job requires the employee occasionally to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  Visual ability requires mono and color vision, close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Length of work year:  8 hours per day; 5 days/week; 187 workdays (regular contract year), plus 5 additional days at 8 hours per day for Extra Duty Assignment.

Benefits:     Health and Dental Insurance are provided.

KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9.0% contribution is required from employees and matched by KCPS; Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.