Library Media Specialists

Most library media specialists work in grade schools or high schools, and they usually work in library media centers that have facilities for previewing software, making audiovisual aids, and storing equipment. Specialists deal with students and teachers every day and often face frequent interruptions to answer questions or to provide instruction. Teachers often visit them to discuss materials they need for their classes, to look through media catalogs, and to see slides and films. Library media specialists are constantly busy checking orders in and out and inspecting new products, and they often manage large budgets.

In addition, as members of the school faculty, library media specialists often attend faculty meetings and serve as student advisers. They might also supervise extracurricular activities as a club adviser or team coach. They frequently work late, take work home, and go to meetings at night and on the weekends. Although many have long summer vacations, they use much of that time to organize materials, order supplies, preview films and other resources, see new products, and attend classes to improve their skills. Although teachers are only in the classroom until mid-afternoon, school libraries are usually open for students after school hours, so library media specialist schedules reflect the basic nine-to-five workday.

Many library media centers are understaffed. Library media specialists might have to perform clerical duties, such as shelving books, in addition to their normal responsibilities. They might have to serve the library media centers in more than one building. In some cases, they might face the daunting task of being the only library media specialist available to serve hundreds or even thousands of students and their teachers.

Some might experience stress when dealing with the pressure of keeping up with the latest technological advances. However, new developments in information technology and their applications to the learning process will keep the work of library media specialists both interesting and challenging.