U

PS & LS Library Media Specialist

University School Of Milwaukee Corporation
3 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

General Summary: Supports and aligns the School’s mission through developing and administering a school library media program in the PS/LS. Serves the roles of teacher, instructional partner, and information specialist. In fulfilling these roles, the LMS works collaboratively with school administration and faculty to develop a library program that supports the curriculum; provides instructional leadership for the teaching of literacy skills; develops and maintains a media center collection rich in both print and non‐print materials, and manages the media center as a flexible, multi‐task learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develops a PS/LS library program that addresses learning and innovation, media and technology literacy, and life and career development. 
  • Empowers all members of the community to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, curators, and ethical users of information. 
  • Conduct outreach activities to engage families and the community in library events and services.
  • Collaborates and co-teach with classroom teachers and specialists as a partner in the instructional process, to ensure that information literacy skills are embedded systematically throughout the PS/LS curriculum. 
  • Creates and maintains a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and inviting learning environment that fosters intellectual inquiry. 
  • Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve an optimal learning environment. 
  • Develops and maintains an updated diverse collection of print and non-print resources appropriate to the curriculum, learners and instructional strategies to reflect students’ interests. 
  • Provides leadership and expertise to integrate educational technology tools and resources into library programs to enhance learning experiences, promote digital literacy, and facilitate access to information in various formats.
  • Teach students how to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information, fostering critical thinking and inquiry skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.
  • Encourages reading in traditional and innovative ways such as social media, digital media, and print, while instilling a love of learning in all students and ensures equitable access to information and resources. 
  • Models and promotes the ethical use of digital citizenship: copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property.
  • Serves as an advocate and a resource for the School’s library programs and services by utilizing a variety of communication and technology tools, in alignment with the School’s mission and strategic plan. 
  • Manages and adheres to the PS/LS library budget, prepares reports, and maintains documentation for all resources/material orders. 
  • Manage physical and virtual library operations, including cataloging, circulation, and inventory management, ensuring efficient access to resources and maintaining an organized and welcoming library environment.
  • Stays informed about current trends and best practices in library science, education, and children's literature through professional development opportunities, conferences, and networking with peers.
  • Attends and participates in professional meetings, including collaborative teams and PS/LS meetings.
  • Maintains frequent and timely communication with the community stakeholders. 
  • Works with community partners and administration to organize author visits.
  • Completes other tasks as deemed appropriate by the PS/LS Administration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, and methodologies of teaching and learning, and of current best practices in library and information science.
  • Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability and desire to serve as an advisor to a small group of students.
  • Ability to differentiate instruction in mixed ability classrooms.
  • Strong understanding of PS/LS students and developmental differences between grades.
  • Passion for PS/LS and literature.
  • Strong classroom management skills with the ability and the desire to work with a diverse student body.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others and maintain positive professional relationships.
  • Ability to read, comprehend, follow and give oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to use and optimize resources effectively.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills with a strong degree of self- direction and motivation.
  • High level of maturity, confidentiality, and assertiveness.
  • Capable of using tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
  • Highly skilled in operating technology.

 Education and Experience:

  • Master’s Degree in Library/ Information Science preferably from an ALA-accredited library program.
  • WI DPI Library Media Specialist 1902 license (preferred).
  • 3-5 years’ experience in PS/LS teaching and library experience grades PK-5.
  • Experience with educational technology.
  • Experience with coaching (preferred).