Library Media Specialist

BERKELEY SCHOOLS
Berkeley, California United States  View Map
Posted: Oct 24, 2024
  • Salary: $29.39 - $35.82 Hourly USD
  • Community Relations or PR and Marketing
  • Library Services
  • Job Description

    Basic Function and Representative Duties

    BASIC FUNCTION:

    Under the direction of the Principal or District Library Coordinator, perform a variety of specialized library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of books and instructional materials at an assigned elementary school; offer weekly sessions for classes with read-alouds and library skills in coordination with classroom teachers; assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment.

    DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

    Incumbents in the Library Media Specialist classification work independently and assume responsibility for the library collection, schedule and day-to-day operations of a school library.

    Incumbents in the Library Media Technician classification carry out daily library functions such as circulation, distribution of textbooks and instructional materials under the direct supervision of a certificated staff librarian or District Library Coordinator.

    REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

    • Perform a variety of specialized library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of library books, periodicals and materials at an assigned school site; process new library books and instructional materials; oversee the cataloguing of books and instructional materials

    • Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment; respond to inquiries and provide information to students and teachers; assist students in researching instructional materials for classroom use

    • Conduct weekly sessions for classes, selecting and reading stories, leading discussions, and discussing books and recommendations; participate in planning library curriculum to support and extend District and classroom curriculum; collaborate with teachers to coordinate planning activities and create a library culture for the school

    • Circulate library materials; check library materials in and out to students and staff using an assigned computerized system; shelve returned books and materials; clean, mend, cover and repair damaged books

    • Process and receive library materials and equipment orders; prepare new and donated materials for introduction into the library materials collection; verify packing lists, stamp materials, affix bar codes, update and edit electronic records, and update spine labels; re-organize shelves to adapt to shifts in the collection and curricular needs; input related information into assigned computer system; conduct periodic inventory and weeding

    • Promote the use of the library to faculty and students; assist students with age-appropriate reading as required; instruct students on using the online library catalogue and other computer software systems

    • Monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior in the library

    • Maintain a variety of records related to purchase orders, overdue books and assigned activities; establish and maintain filing systems

    • Open and close the library according to established procedures; maintain a clean and safe environment in the library

    • Prepare displays and bulletin boards to support curriculum, multi-cultural themes, current events, and school and District-wide activities; prepare and rotate book displays

    • Operate a variety of office and library equipment including a calculator, copier, typewriter, computer and assigned software; operate audio-visual equipment including a projector, projection screen, speakers and others as assigned; troubleshoot and arrange for repairs of equipment as needed

    • Communicate with personnel and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns

    • Gather library resources and prepare book lists in response to teacher requests; generate surveys, news materials, e-mails and other materials regarding library resources

    • Read professional book reviews and communicate with teaching staff and library personnel to select and recommend titles and on-line resources for purchase to develop the library collection, support classroom assignments and provide high-quality reading materials for students

    • Attend meetings, workshops and conferences as assigned

    OTHER DUTIES:

    Perform related duties as assigned

    Knowledge and Abilities

    KNOWLEDGE OF:

    Functions, operations and maintenance of elementary school libraries

    Library practices, procedures, reference materials and terminology

    Operation of a computer and data entry and retrieval techniques

    Library cataloging and classification

    Filing, indexing and inventory procedures

    Record-keeping techniques

    Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

    Oral and written communication skills

    Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

    Modern office practices, procedures and equipment

    ABILITY TO:

    Perform a variety of technical library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of books and instructional materials

    Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment

    Learn curriculum, reading levels and collaborate with teachers and district library staff to develop the material collection

    Monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior in the library

    Read age and subject-appropriate stories to classes

    Process and shelve library materials

    Inventory, order and receive library materials and equipment

    Operation of a computer and assigned software

    Maintain files and records

    Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

    Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

    Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures

    Complete work with many interruptions

    Understand and follow oral and written instructions

    Education, Experience and Other Requirements

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

    Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree supplemented by college level coursework in Library and Information Science and two years library media or other related experience

    LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language.

    Working Conditions and Additional Information

    ENVIRONMENT:

    Library environment

    Constant interruptions

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

    Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student behavior

    Hearing and speaking to exchange information

    Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

    Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects typically weighing 50 - 75 pounds

    Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to shelve and retrieve books

    Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to shelve and retrieve books

    EXAMINATION WEIGHT:

    Assessments may consist of a written, oral and/or performance examinations.

    FIRST EXAMINATION: 50%

    SECOND EXAMINATION: 50%

    Qualified candidates will be notified of the minimum passing points for each examination part. Qualified Applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the Examinations.

    OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

    SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

    NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

    In accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, Education Code Section 220, and Berkeley Unified School District Policy, no qualified person shall, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, national origin, religion, actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, handicap, age or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity in the Berkeley Unified School District. The Board prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, at any district site and/or activity. The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy."

    If there are questions concerning Section 504 or disability accommodations for job applicants/employees under the ADA, please contact the Office of Human Resources, Berkeley Unified School District. If there are questions concerning discrimination on the basis of sex or any of the other classifications noted above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (510) 486-9338.

    SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

    BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES): Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum. All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis. This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions. Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District. All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.

    VACATION: Regular, non-management, District employees shall accrue vacation as follows:

    1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.

    4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.

    10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.

    15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.

    Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.

    HOLIDAYS: Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:

    Independence Day

    Labor Day

    Veterans' Day

    Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)

    Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)

    New Year's Holiday (2 Days)

    Martin Luther King's Birthday

    Lincoln's Birthday

    Washington's Birthday

    Spring Board Holiday

    Malcolm X's Birthday

    Memorial Day

    School Year employees may receive sixteen (16) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.

    HEALTH AND CHARACTER INVESTIGATIONS:

    Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.

    Closing Date/Time: 11/14/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • Berkeley Unified School District
    • Berkeley Unified School District

    About the District

    Since the founding of the University of California, Berkeley in 1868 and the establishment of Berkeley’s first high school in 1879, Berkeley’s community has been proud to be a leader in public education.  In 1968, the Berkeley Unified School District was the nation’s first school district to desegregate without a court order.  What you should know about our District:

     

    • Students are our priority.
    • We take pride in our diversity.
    • We hold high expectations for ourselves and our students.
    • We treat each other with respect and act with integrity.

    Berkeley Unified is responsible for educating more than 9,400 individual students in 11 public elementary schools, 3 middle schools, one comprehensive high school, and an alternative high school. In addition, the district has 3 preschool facilities and an Adult School serving several thousand students each year. With a tradition of excellence rooted in a vibrant community, Berkeley Unified alumni have become national and international leaders in business, civic society, politics, academia, sports and the arts. Students and staff in Berkeley Unified come from a wide variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, surrounded by one of the most intellectually and culturally rich regions in the United States.

    The Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals of Berkeley Unified are encapsulated in the four E’s:

    • Excellence
    • Equity
    • Engagement
    • Enrichment

    Excellence in Learning, in Teaching, and in Service to our Students and Families

    Equity in Access, in Resource Allocation, and Educational Outcomes

    Engagement with Parents, Guardians, Families, and Community

    Enrichment in Curriculum with Music & the Arts, Libraries, Gardens & Nutrition, Science & Health, Physical Education & Sports

    Parent and Community Involvement
    The Vision for BUSD is one in which parents, family, and community are an integral part of each school. When parents and families get personally involved in education, their children do better in school and grow up to be more successful in life.  This is why Berkeley has dedicated resources and specialized staff to support the home-school partnership and to give all parents/guardians access to understanding opportunities and services available for their children.

    Public Support
    Over the past 25 years, the Berkeley Unified School District’s ability to provide well-rounded educational resources and opportunities to all students has been significantly boosted by the generous financial support of local taxes that augment the General Fund for specific purposes.

    Berkeley voters have overwhelmingly supported the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP), a special local tax first adopted in 1986 and renewed consistently since then, most recently as Measure A in 2006. (1986 to present)

    Berkeley voters are as committed to the safety and modernization of school and district facilities as to the students and educational programs they house, most recently evidenced in the renewal of a maintenance special tax and a new facilities bond in 2010.

    • Facilities Bonds (1992, Measure BB of 2002, Measure I of 2010)
    • Maintenance Parcel Tax (Measure H of 2010)

    Very Low Class Size
    Berkeley Public schools have among the lowest class sizes in the state. While many school districts have exceeded 20 students in kindergarten through third grade, thanks to the BSEP tax measure Berkeley has maintained 20:1 since 1984. Grades 4 and 5 classrooms have average student-teacher ratios of 26-1, again much lower than the state average.

    • All Berkeley elementary schools have fewer students than the state average of 525 students — in fact, the Berkeley average is 375.
    • The average student-teacher ratio in academic classrooms in middle school is less than 28:1, and many math classes are 20:1.
    • The average student-teacher ratio in academic classrooms in high schools is 28:1.

    Because the Berkeley community recognizes that public education is the cornerstone of a productive, creative, and healthy society, all of our schools benefit from the generosity of monetary and in-kind donations.  Visit our “Public Support” page to find out more about the generosity and commitment of our supporters and how the many different funding and volunteer organizations enhance each child’s education in the Berkeley Public Schools.

    Show more

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