Director of Library and Information Resources

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

• Oversee the administration and operation of district library/media centers and coordinate the delivery of library/media services to meet the educational needs of all students. Ensure that services and resources that are provided allow students to develop skills in locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and using information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Education/Certification:
• Master’s degree in library science or learning resources
• Valid Texas school librarian certificate or endorsement
• Valid Texas teaching certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong communication, both written & oral, public relations, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Knowledge of library and information science
• Knowledge of bidding, purchasing, and contracting procedures
• Develop training and present information to adult learners
• Evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness
• Manage budget and personnel
• Proficient technology skills to perform work-related responsibilities
• Maintain accurate and auditable records
• Basic knowledge of accounting procedures

Work Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding; use of a mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 30 pounds)
• Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district-wide travel; statewide travel and occasional out-of-state travel
• Regular attendance is an essential function

Minimum Experience:

• Five years of successful experience as a school librarian - required

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Library Programs

• Develop and implement an effective district-wide library program that meets identified educational needs and creates a
• library/media center environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity level and interests of students.
• Develop a library/media center program evaluation process and oversee the continuous evaluation and improvement process.
• Make changes based on analysis of the findings.
• Direct and oversee collection development and coordinate the selection of library media and equipment in the district library media centers to ensure consistency with the instructional program.
• Develop and implement a plan to encourage community and parent involvement within the library/media center.
• Articulate a code of ethics that promotes adherence to copyright guidelines, and advocates the principles of intellectual freedom.

Organizational Improvement/Innovations

• Advise librarians, district and school administrators of new developments in library programs, technology, instructional strategies and research.
• Direct the district’s participation in library networking; encourage the use of new technologies to support teaching and learning; and provide building level Library Media Specialists with information regarding library automation—circulations procedures and public access catalog.
• Promote expansion of programs that integrate the teaching of skills for finding, evaluating, and using information with the teaching of subject content.
• Coordinate the acquisition of materials for all campus libraries and the ESC Professional Library.
• Monitor and publicize the status of district compliance with local, state, and national accreditation requirements and library standards including evaluating impact of library programs at district and campus levels.

Instruction

• Develop and deliver professional development for district library personnel in areas related to supporting student learning and improving student achievement through the use of library and information services.
• Design, develop, and present staff development for teachers on the availability and use of campus and district learning resources.
• Ensure that library users receive appropriate assistance to locate and use resources and apply research techniques.
• Collaborate with campus administrators, curriculum and instructional staff to ensure that campus library/media centers are actively engaged in and contributing to instructional programs of the school.

Administration and Fiscal/Facilities Management

• Consult with planning committees and architects when new or remodeled facilities are designed.
• Develop the district library budget and furnish a wide range of resources and services to the school library program and classroom through the Professional Library.
• Monitor state and federal laws pertaining to school library programs; seek and administer grants from federal, state, and regional agencies and from foundations.
• Manage technical services for acquiring and processing resources and for maintaining and circulating district-owned materials.

Personnel Management

• Provide leadership and guidance to the librarians in program planning, curriculum development, budgeting, staff development, activities, and facility use.
• Assist campus administration in hiring and evaluating library media specialists. Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of library/media center personnel and make recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retentions, discipline, and dismissal.
• Responsible for hiring and evaluating Library Center staff.

Administration

• Develop and administer budget based on documented needs; ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Oversee the purchase of materials and equipment for district libraries through competitive bid. Approve purchase orders and monitor purchase requisitions to determine accuracy.
• Coordinate inventories of library media and equipment.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Complies with all district and campus expectations, routines, and regulations.

Client/Community Relations

• Serve as liaison with supervisory and administrative personnel at local, state, and national levels.
• Provide a professional library collection of books, online resources, audiovisuals, and information services for educators.

Professional Growth/Conduct

• Keep up-to-date by reading books and journals and by attending workshops in the areas of school librarianship and public education; volunteer on local, state, and national library or other educational boards and associations and encourage librarians to do the same.

Shared Decision-Making Support

• Work in a collaborative environment with District/campus administration, librarians, and Library Center staff.

Special Assignments/Projects

• Develop and maintain efficient systems for textbooks: requisitions, inventory, distribution, and audits, and assist in the textbook adoption process.