A librarian who works in a public or private school is known as a media specialist. From pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, he or she can work with students of all ages. The librarian is in charge of promoting literacy, teaching research methods, and developing library-related lessons.
A person who wants to work as a media specialist usually has a degree in library science or library media education. A future school librarian’s career usually begins as a certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in education. After that, the aspiring librarian obtains a degree in library media education. The educator will be prepared to work as a certified media specialist after completing this degree.
Within the media center or school library, a media specialist wears many hats. The media specialist’s responsibilities include ordering books and other resources, leading story times, and teaching students how to find books in the library. A media specialist must teach students how to use the Internet to find reliable sources for reports, projects, and research papers sifting through websites. Students learn how to use electronic databases to access articles from journals and newspapers from librarians.
School librarians must also assist teachers in locating materials they require in order to plan lessons for the classroom. He or she frequently assists teachers with equipment such as televisions, overhead projects, DVD players, and other tools. In addition to their own responsibilities, many school librarians also serve as library clerks. The media specialist’s long list of responsibilities includes checking books in and out, shelving books, processing new materials, and performing other clerical duties. Because many school districts do not have the funds to hire library clerks to assist certified school librarians, they take on these extra responsibilities.
Despite the wide range of responsibilities that a school librarian must fulfill, the goal of the librarian is to instill in students a lifelong love of learning. The elementary school librarian should be able to lead storytimes, give book talks, and plan hands-on library activities. Middle and high school media specialists must have a strong understanding of technology and be prepared to help students and staff with a wide range of computer and other complex technical needs. A career as a media specialist is a good fit for people who enjoy being surrounded books and information. Students can be encouraged to see the library as an exciting place to explore reading for both pleasure and information media specialists.