Media Specialist (possible January start)

Media Specialist (possible January start) JobID: 6435

• Position Type:

Middle School Teaching/ Teacher Librarian

• Date Posted:

11/5/2026

• Location:

Oak Ridge Middle School

Position Title: Library Media Specialist

Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal

Summary:

Develop and implement a school library media program which is integrated with the school's instructional program and which reaches out to community, regional and global resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.)

• Promote and assist students and staff in the use of a variety of resources; help them independently access information.

• Identify content appropriate for each grade level from district's Information Literacy curriculum and teach to students. Instruction will be integrated with classroom activities whenever possible.

• Assist with building curriculum development by participating in team planning and teaching, serving as a classroom resource person and providing instructional materials support.

• Design instruction for diverse learning abilities, styles and needs; model and promote effective and creative teaching strategies.

• Provide support in the appropriate uses of technology for learning, productivity and information access.

• Counsel and provide reading guidance to students who have special reading problems or unusual intellectual interests as well as encourage reading to all students for both enjoyment and information.

• Provide in-service to teachers on emerging technologies.

• Support professional principles of intellectual freedom and ethical use of materials.

• Work collaboratively with other district media specialists to continually improve the media program and services.

• Design and implement a building library media program, consistent with building and district goals.

• Manage the library media center to ensure that it is a "user friendly" environment characterized by efficient operations and a service orientation.

• Arrange, on a frequent basis, book-related displays and exhibits likely to interest the media center's patrons.

• Assist with student and staff production projects.

• Communicate with building principal and staff regarding program development, goals and concerns.

• Administer the building's media budget.

• Plan and manage the distribution and storage of all library media materials and equipment to provide maximum access for staff and students.

• Organize and maintain records of acquisitions, holdings, circulation for hardware and materials inventory, maintenance and access purposes.

• Select materials (print and non-print) so that the collection is responsive to the needs of the students and staff.

• Weed obsolete and work materials from the collections to reflect changing curriculum needs of the building.

• Ensure that equipment is maintained and repaired as needed.

• Oversee media center educational assistants' performance and clerical routines necessary for efficient operations.

• Establish a public relations program to inform the school of library media program activities.

• Participate in district-level meetings, in-services, committee work and curriculum writing.

• Remain current in the profession through professional reading, associations and conference attendance.

• Communicate with parents and community on services of the library media center.

• Maintain a positive image for the school as well as good public relations within the community.

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise students in the media center and throughout the building.

Supervise (and train) educational assistant(s).

Minimum Education:

BA/BS degree required.

MA degree in Library and Information Science preferred.

Successful elementary teaching experience preferred.

Cross cultural experience preferred.

Licensure or Certification:

Valid Iowa license as K-12 Media Specialist.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Knowledge of the following is essential: effective instructional strategies; effective classroom management strategies; developmentally appropriate materials; computer applications for libraries (CD-ROM reference sources, on-line resources, automation systems, Internet); principles of intellectual freedom and appropriate policies; copyright law as it applies to educational settings; strategies for collection management (selection, analysis, evaluation and planning); whole language philosophy; resource-based teaching and the role of the library media specialist; strategies for relating the resource collection to the curriculum.

Knowledge of the following is preferred: current research in learning; current children's literature; developmentally appropriate practices; integrated instruction; writer's workshop; cooperative learning; performance assessment.

The following skills are essential: interpersonal skills; consensus-building skills; communication skills; teaming skills; flexibility and openness to change; commitment to continued professional growth; leadership skills; computer/technology skills; book talking skills; organizational skills.

The following abilities are essential: ability to team teach and work collaboratively; ability to maintain a positive, productive environment; initiative; prioritizing, based on criteria; ability to design and deliver instruction to an adult audience.

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.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently sit and stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel and reach forward above the head. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move items such as boxes of books, loaded carts, and relevant equipment up to 50 pounds. Must be able to hear, see, speak and move to carry out routine teaching/library duties.

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.)

Noise level is quiet to loud. Work may be indoors or outdoors. Work may be in non-air conditioned rooms. Tobacco and alcohol-free environment. Fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, or the public. May include evenings. Direct responsibility for the safety and well-being of students.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.