Library Media Specialist (K-12) Candidate Pool

ABOUT US The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely . Job Posting End Date: Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site. DESCRIPTION Under the direction of the principal, the Library Media Specialist plans and administers the school's library media program. Plans and provides direct instruction to students and training to staff. Manages library media center materials, facilities, and equipment. Communicates the school library media program to administrators, staff, students, parents, and the community. Performs other duties as assigned. Note: Elementary placements are split Library Media/ Instructional Technology Teacher MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet all the following qualifications, listed below, to be considered for the vacancy. Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an applicable field of education. Certification: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) certification: Library Media Professional Librarian PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Three previous years of teaching experience ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Instructs students and staff in the effective use of the school library, its resources, and the current technologies necessary to access resources and information. Incorporates information literacy into day-to-day instruction; and advocates and promotes reading and life-long learning through motivational activities. Leverages district curriculum or other strategies towards supporting a balanced approach to learning and library programs. Identifies and supports the learning and information needs of students and staff. Plans and works collaboratively with teachers to use appropriate resources that address curricular needs and learning goals. Adheres to and communicates copyright as well as other laws and guidelines pertaining to the distribution and ethical use of all resources. Advocates the principles of intellectual freedom; and works cooperatively with other libraries and agencies to share resources that enhance teaching and learning. Works with the principal and school leadership team to provide flexible access to school library resources to accommodate individuals and groups simultaneously. Organizes school library facilities and resources in a manner that supports the mission, goals, and objectives of HCPSS schools and maximizes intellectual and physical access to resources. Encourages the widest possible use of print and electronic resources and services within the school library, throughout the school, and through remote access. Develops and implements an ongoing collection development and evaluation planning process, that focuses on a variety of formats and resources to meet diverse learning needs. Prepares budget requests , administers library budgets, and maintains appropriate records ; and prepares and submits accurate reports as required . Evaluates and selects resources that build a collection addressing curricular needs and learning goals in collaboration with teachers, technology staff, and students. Evaluates the school library program on a continual basis according to accepted standards of quality; and adheres to established laws, policies, rules, and regulations. Interacts effectively with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community to promote and expand the school library media program; and serves as a technology leader for the school supporting online learning, and digital content integration. Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness. Participate in and share responsibility for the safe and orderly operation of schools. Attend staff meetings, district professional learning, events, and serve on staff committees when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms. SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION Compensation: This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit . The current salary ranges for this position is on the 10-Month Teacher Salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime. Retirement : Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary. Benefits : HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. Pre-Employment Requirements : Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. For questions regarding this posting, please contact Rebecca Pfenninger : r EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email . HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.