Library Media Specialist-Elementary

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Library Media Assistant

Department

Schools and HR

Bargain Unit Classification

Bargaining Unit-EARL

Reports To

Building Administrators, District Librarian

FLSA Designation

Non-Exempt

Other

Pay Scale/Lane

Collective Bargaining Agreement

Benefits

Benefit Summary

Work Calendar

190 work days

Version Date

1/1/25

PART I: SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Library Media Assistant supports daily library operations and technology use by managing circulation, maintaining the collection, and assisting students and staff with resources and equipment. This position facilitates library exploratory classes (elementary), promotes literacy and research skills, supervises students, and provides basic technology support creating an engaging, organized, and inclusive library environment enhancing teaching and learning across the school.

PART II: MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

A. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Meet ONE of the following four options:

• Completed 60 semester hours of college credit at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or

• Obtained an associate's degree (or higher) at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or

• Met a formal State assessment by ONE of the following means:

• passed the ETS ParaPro assessment (460 or higher) or passed the applicable ACT WorkKeys assessments (Applied Mathematics-4, Reading for Information-4, Writing/Business Writing-3, AND Acceptable on the Instructional Support Inventory which requires observation of an applicant in a classroom setting) or

• Met State paraprofessional approval PLUS 300 Professional Training Points (PTPs) or passed a rigorous local academic assessment that conforms to federal guidelines or obtained a Library Technology Certificate from an accredited institution or higher education.

• Preferred: One (1) year of experience in library work.

B. CREDENTIALS:

• Illinois licensure with the Paraprofessional Endorsement

C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and respect for the diverse cultural, linguistic, and environmental backgrounds of students and families, and sensitivity in communication across differences.
• Knowledge of library/media center operations, procedures, and ethics, including cataloging, circulation, and general library practices.
• Knowledge of basic library and information science research tools and techniques, including the Dewey Decimal System and online databases.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, District policies, copyright, and fair use requirements.
• Knowledge of student management techniques and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to promote positive and responsible behavior.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping procedures and ability to maintain accurate attendance and circulation data.

Skill in oral and written communication and interpersonal relations to establish and maintain effective rapport with students and staff.

• Ability to assist in providing instructional support under the direction of certified staff, including adapting strategies and materials to meet student needs.
• Ability to support a safe, healthy, and productive teaching and learning environment.
• Ability to use ethical practices and maintain confidentiality regarding student, staff, and school information.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot a variety of automated, electronic, and audiovisual equipment, and to use technology-based tools such as Google Workspace and Follett Destiny.

Ability to prepare, organize, and maintain instructional and library materials to support classroom and library learning activities.

• Ability to employ age-appropriate strategies that reinforce social, behavioral, and academic growth among students.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology, procedures, and educational tools to enhance library services.

Ability to follow verbal and written directions, seek clarification when necessary, and collaborate effectively with staff and students.

PART III: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Checks materials in and out for students, staff, and teachers; assists with maintaining and updating the Destiny online catalog and circulation records.

• Shelves, organizes, repairs, and withdraws materials; assists with inventory and ensures the collection remains accurate, accessible, and up to date.

• Assists with ordering, processing, cataloging, and preparing new library materials for circulation.

• Supports patrons in locating and using library materials, databases, and technology; provides orientation and training for students and staff on the online catalog and databases.

• Operates, troubleshoots, and maintains library technology and audiovisual equipment; collaborates with the IT Department on device support, FixIt Tickets, and iPad repairs.

• Manages loaner iPads, assists with Google password resets, and communicates regularly with the Technology Department regarding device needs.

• Assists with creating bulletin boards, displays, and literacy/curricular programs such as book awards and heritage celebrations.

• Operates laminators and poster makers to school and teacher projects

• Maintains accurate circulation and usage statistics; handles overdue notices and lost-item payments while upholding confidentiality.

• Ensures compliance with copyright law, school board policies, and relevant state and federal regulations.

• Provides courteous, professional assistance to all patrons and fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment that encourages library use.

• Assists with class activities in the library and supports teachers in integrating library and technology resources into instruction.

• Maintains a clean, organized, and visually engaging library environment conducive to learning and exploration.

• Participates in meetings, training, and professional development to enhance library and technology skills.

• With the following guidelines, each elementary LMA will have assigned duties and responsibilities totalling 900 minutes per week (equivalent to 30 sections of library exploratory classes).

• Facilitate library exploratory sessions for students as scheduled on the building's master schedule.

• LMAs will not be assigned morning/arrival duties.

• Dismissal duty (30 minutes daily) will be assigned and does not count toward the 900 minutes per week of assigned responsibilities.

• Additional duties and responsibilities will be assigned to reach the 900 total minutes per week.

• Example: If an LMA facilitates 20 sections of library exploratory classes (600 minutes), they will be assigned 300 additional minutes of other duties/responsibilities each week (equivalent to 10 class sections).

• Building administration will develop each LMA's schedule to include dedicated blocks of time for core library responsibilities (e.g. reshelving books, laminating, etc.) and will avoid small duty assignments that limit blocks of time for essential library tasks, to the greatest extent possible.

• Example duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: recess duty, cafeteria duty, covering TA breaks, pushing into classrooms for student support, helping office staff, etc.

• Performs additional library, technology-related, and supervision duties as directed to support school and district goals.

PART IV: STAFF SUPERVISION

Not applicable

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES PERFORMED BY PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

RLAS #116 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGE BOTH PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT EMPLOYEES TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE DISTRICT WHEN NECESSARY.