Library Specialist

Position Summary

The Library Specialist plays a vital role in fostering a dynamic learning environment for students by facilitating library classes, collaborating with teachers to support the curriculum, and conducting library-related presentations and events. Responsibilities also include managing library materials, inventory management, and maintaining the physical library space to ensure a welcoming and organized atmosphere. The Library Specialist also provides reference assistance to students and staff.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential performance responsibilities listed below. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The district reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

1. Actively participates in organizational meetings and projects, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. Contributes ideas and supports colleagues to achieve common goals.
2. Demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth by seeking out learning opportunities and embracing feedback. Strives for excellence in all tasks and responsibilities.
3. Provides exceptional service to internal and external customers, ensuring their needs are met with efficiency and empathy. Maintains a positive and proactive attitude in all interactions.
4. Encourages and implements innovative solutions to improve processes and outcomes. Is open to new ideas and approaches and contributes to a culture of creativity and forward-thinking.
5. Collaborates with teachers to support the curriculum; facilitates library classes for each grade (elementary school only); conducts book discussions and provides library-related presentations.
6. Manages library collection management and maintenance; selects, orders, and processes new library materials (books and supplies); organizes library materials (shelving); performs inventory management (tracking, weeding, repairing); maintains the physical library space (cleaning, organizing, displays).
7. Provides circulation and patron services; checks books in and out for students; manages lost and overdue materials (communications, fees); provides reference assistance to students and staff.
8. Supports school and technology needs; participates in staff meetings and professional development; assists with other school-wide duties as needed and determined by the supervisor; assists with the collection, organization, maintenance and distribution of electronic devices, including Chromebooks.
9. Performs other duties related to the position, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge and understanding of district policies, procedures, and standards.
2. Knowledge of alphabetical, numerical, and library filing systems such as the Dewey Decimal System.
3. Knowledge of basic computer programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
4. Knowledge of a variety of literature, including non-fiction, biographies, and young adult and children’s literature.
5. Knowledge of general clerical principles and practices.
6. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
7. Initiative to perform tasks with minimal to no supervision.
8. Enjoys working in a student environment.
9. Strong student management practices.
10. Ability to build positive and productive relationships.
11. Ability to respond to internal and external customers in a timely, accurate, courteous, and empathetic manner representative our of core values.
12. Ability to work effectively under constant deadlines and time constraints.
13. Ability to model the routine, intentional, and effective use of technology in daily work, including communications, organization, and management tasks.
14. Ability to exercise good judgment, insight, self-awareness, integrity, and cultural responsiveness when interacting with diverse employee groups, students, patrons, and partners of SKPS.
15. Ability to perform duties efficiently in an environment subject to frequent interruptions.
16. Ability to assist students and staff in locating books and online materials at an appropriate reading and interest level
17. .Ability to perform a wide variety of library and clerical work of moderate difficulty and complexity.
18. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; type and spell with accuracy; operate a computer to accurately input and retrieve data.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of training, experience, and/or education equivalent to: Highschool Diploma, GED, or other experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job responsibilities. 1-3 years of previous work-related experience in clerical and/or administrative support roles, especially in an environment with some exposure to the operation of a library center.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

Possession of a valid US driver’s license and availability of private transportation (mileage reimbursement available)

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

1. Constantly (more than 5.6 hours or 69% of the day): Finger Dexterity, Hearing
2. Frequently (Between 2.6 hours and 5.5 hours or 33% to 68% of the day): Carrying/Lifting, Reaching, Standing
3. Occasionally (Up to 2.5 hours or 32% of the day): Balancing, Color Vision, Crouching/Kneeling, Multi-limb Coordination, Pulling/Pushing, Repetitive Motion, Sitting
4. Rarely: (Less than 1 hour or 12% of the day): Climbing, Crawling, Walking

Work Type/Physical Demands

Medium work: Exerting 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Mental and Psychological Demands

Medium demands: The job requires some mental effort and involves moderate levels of stress (e.g., Occasional need to deal with difficult customers or manage emotions when interacting with others, sometimes work under tight deadlines, limited or no exposure to public criticism, occasionally requires extended periods of concentration on complex tasks).

Working Environment

Everyday risk and discomfort level: The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, libraries, or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

EEO Statement

Salem-Keizer Public School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Revision Date(s):

09/02/2025 – Revised and changed title from Library Media Assistant