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;
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- 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
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- 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
