Library Specialist

Job Description:

Library Specialist

Description

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.

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 supplemental instructional materials; and oversee the cataloging of books and supplemental instructional materials
• Oversee the library's materials and annual budget to ensure diverse and up-to-date collections that support grade-level curriculum and students' interest
• Maintain a strong knowledge of current children's literature, diverse authors, and culturally responsive literature by reading professional and trade publications; solicit input from teaching staff to ensure the collection meets instructional needs.
• 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;
  
  
• Plan and conduct weekly sessions for classes, selecting and reading stories, leading discussions, and sharing books
• Participate in planning library curriculum to support and extend District and classroom curriculum; collaborate with teachers to coordinate planning activities and create a reading culture for the school
• Assist students with selecting age-appropriate reading; guide students in research
• 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 following district protocols; re-organize shelves to adapt to shifts in the collection and curricular needs; maintain the library catalog; conduct periodic inventory and weeding
• Promote the use of the library to faculty and students, create an inviting environment so the community feels welcome, and 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 that change regularly
  
  
• Organize and oversee library volunteers
• Operate a variety of office and library equipment including a calculator, copier, printer, 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; stay up to date on the electronic resources and databases that are available to students and teachers.
• Perform general clerical duties in support of library activities, including filing, typing or duplicating materials
• Create and organize online resources and specialized book lists to share with the school community
• Communicate with personnel, caregivers, 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, newsletters, e-mail, and other materials regarding library resources and events
• Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences as assigned
• 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
• Coordinate and facilitate various programs, clubs and other community events to promote literacy, and a community library culture
• Communication with caregivers regarding library activities; confer with school site staff regarding class and outside events; work with staff and administrators to build support for program and instructional activities

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Functions, operations and maintenance of elementary school libraries

Library practices, procedures, reference materials and terminology

Operation of a computer and use of a database

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

Basic knowledge of children's literature

Cultural competency and sensitivity in interacting with students from diverse background

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

Collaborate with teachers and district library staff 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

Operate a computer, projection system 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

Prioritize tasks and complete work in a timely manner despite disruptions and distractions

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Work with students at all elementary ages and levels

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:

bachelor's degree supplemented by college-level coursework in Library and Information Science and two years of library, 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.

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 INFORMATION:

The first step in the examination process is the application screening and whether or not the candidate meets the minimum qualifications listed.

The testing process may consist of a written exam; an oral exam; a performance exam; a structured interview (SI); a qualification appraisal interview (QAI); an evaluation of training & experience/education (T&E) and/or any combination thereof.

ONLY the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test requires and is mandated to have a passing score of 70 on each of the three parts of the test.

All other tests will have a passing score set between 50 and 99 depending of a variety of factors affecting that specific recruitment.

All candidates must pass the first examination process to be invited to the next step/test in the process.

As the testing process consists of a minimum of two examination processes; the weight of each those processes may be determined at any step in the processes.

Qualified candidates will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination(s)/test(s).

Candidates will be notified of the minimum pass points/test score for each examination and/or test in the examination process.

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.

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to fostering a positive working environment for its employees. Accordingly, BUSD practices shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying of any employee based on an employee's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testi?es or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination regarding Board Policy 4030:

Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator

2020 Bonar Street, Room 116

Berkeley, CA 94702

Phone: 510-486-9338

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date/Time: Thu, 30 Apr 2026

Salary:

34.75 - 42.31 Hourly