Job Title

Media Specialist 

Salary Class

TCH

Location

School Location 

PCS Code

100000

Reports To

Principal

Position Type

Full-Time/Exempt

General Statement of Job 

To develop, implement and maintain integrated information technology programs and services to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. To provide each student with an enriched environment containing a wide variety and range of materials that will invite intellectual probing and growth, and to aid students in acquiring the skills needed to take full advantage of media center resources.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of professional committees for the development of activities, training materials and programs to disseminate information technology.

• Operates the school media center in accordance with the Defined Minimum Program of South Carolina.

• Develops short- and long-term goals for the school media program; plans, organizes and implements media services and activities.  Evaluates the effectiveness of media services and activities.

• Develops policies and procedures for the use of media services, materials and equipment.

• Maintains an up-to-date selection of print and non-print materials that support the curriculum and the recreational and information reading needs of all students.  Determines requirements for materials and equipment based on usage statistics and teacher/student requests; orders new materials and equipment as needed and oversees the maintenance of  materials and equipment inventories.

• Provides access to and schedules the use of materials, equipment, facilities and services.  

• Maintains a public relations program which promotes reading and the use of media center services, materials and equipment.

• Promotes the integration of classroom instruction and use of print and non-print resources beyond the textbook.

• Participates in curriculum development and review.

• Administers the media center budget and maintains appropriate records.

• Conducts the library/media orientation and in-service training for students and staff.

•  Involve patrons in selection and evaluation of materials, information databases and related equipment to support learning objectives. 

• Provide teachers with information about new materials and current information technology developments in their specific instructional areas. 

• Provide consultative services in selection, purchase, evaluation and use of information technology resources. 

• Maintain a central collection of statistical data, media/technology review, publisher/vendor catalogs and other pertinent information for educators. 

• Provide a developmentally appropriate collection for resources that meet the information and recreational needs of all students. 

• Participate in professional development opportunities provided and/or promoted by district, state and national organizations. 

• Provide in-service training and information for teachers to promote effective utilization of information technology and the development of innovative instructional activities. 

• Assist patrons in the production of learning materials such as multimedia, video, photography, etc. 

• Partner with teachers in integrating information literacy strategies with appropriate curriculum activities. 

• Provide facilities and opportunities for individual and group study and production of resources. 

• Use an open access model to provide patrons with full accessibility to the information technology resources.

• Contribute to students' development in reading, viewing, listening, evaluating and communicating using available technologies. 

• Plan collaboratively with teachers to ensure that a variety of resources and information literacy skills are integrated with classroom instruction. 

• Monitor standards, guidelines, emerging practices and innovations in the library, media and information technology and education fields. 

• Develop and administer the budget and maintain appropriate records. 

• Organize and circulate information technology materials, services and related equipment for easy accessibility according to established district standards. 

• Maintain a centralized, up-to-date bibliographic database for school information technology resources using the district automation system. 

• Maintain and/or provide access to a professional library and education related informational databases to assist school educators. 

• Manage the information technology center with procedures that facilitate maximum use of services and resources. 

• Provide storage, distribution and system of accountability for information technology resources. 

• Supervise staff assigned to the information technology center. 

• Ability to effectively relate to students and staff.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers. 

• Broad knowledge of materials in all formats. 

• Knowledge of curriculum content. 

• Leadership and organizational qualities. 

• Supervises the work of Library Clerks and/or Library Assistants, student assistants and volunteers; supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities, and acting on employee problems.  Offers training, advice and assistance as needed.

• Keeps up-to-date with standards, guidelines, emerging practices and innovations in the library, media and education fields.

• Operates various types of machinery and equipment including computers, printers, audio-visual equipment, typewriter, telephone, adding machine, copier, fax machine, microfiche reader, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs general library duties, including processing new materials, cataloging, checking materials in and out, shelving materials, weeding materials, mending books, receiving and receipting fines for overdue materials, etc., as needed.

• Performs general office and administrative duties as necessary, including answering the telephone, typing documents, copying and filing documents, attending meetings, etc.

• Performs related duties as required,

Essential Functions 

Physical Requirements:

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds).  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.  Includes  receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisors.

Language Ability:

Requires the ability to read a variety of policies and procedures, computer manuals, reference materials, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into the computer and prepare records, correspondence, reports, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form, and to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.  Requires the ability to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.  Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and to understand and implement basic office machinery functions.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages.

Numerical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, and to determine time.  Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery.

Manual Dexterity:

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc.  Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:

Does not require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.  Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines.

Physical Communications:

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking:  expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Training and Experience 

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in library science with a concentration in school libraries, supplemented by one to two years of experience working in the classroom or in a library/media center, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Requires a valid South Carolina certificate.  

Performance Criteria Evaluations

Job Knowledge: 

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Florence 1 Schools as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Media Specialist.  Has thorough knowledge of the organization of related departments and agencies.  Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.  Is able to make sound, educated decisions.  Has the ability to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to District purposes.  Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.   Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.  Has knowledge in the areas of library science and practices, research methods and resources, program development, training development, computer software/hardware and applications, etc. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities.  Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. Is able to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results.  Has the ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.  Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.  Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.  Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department.  Has knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.  Is able to compile, organize and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of the departmental budget, and knows how to prepare and monitor the budget.  Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers.  Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.  Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.  Knows how to make public presentations.   Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.   Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.  Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  

Quality of Work:

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.  Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.  Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work:

Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce a quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability:

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work.   Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures.  Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability.  Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility.  Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Monitors the activities/behavior of the student body to ensure student safety and well-being.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same.  Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.).  Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District.

Relationships:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit.  Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees.  Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District.  Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.  

Safety:

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies.  Sees that standards are not violated.  Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.  

DISCLAIMER:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Terms of Employment 

200 Salary and work year to be established by the district.