Teacher Assistant: Library Media (.40 FTE) - Linthicum Elementary

About the Role

Works under the direction of the principal and media specialist. Performs daily routine operations of the media center, including checking materials in and out, sending overdue notices, shelving materials, preparing instructional materials, monitoring student traffic, and verifying student sign-in and passes. Reinforces skills initially introduced by the library media specialist by working directly with individual students or small groups. Uses and troubleshoots technology and computerized information in various settings.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the organizational system of the media center is maintained by correctly and independently returning materials (both book and non-book) to the correct location and in proper shelf order.
• Assists teachers and students in researching, selecting, and locating appropriate print and non-print media for lessons and assignments.
• Assists with developing and printing bibliographic lists as needed.
• Supports teachers and students in the proper use of online databases and other digital resources.
• Promotes the proper operation, handling, and care of library media center equipment.
• Assists in training and supervising student or parent volunteers in the daily operation of the library media center.
• Works with small groups of students to discuss and/or reinforce instructional outcomes and library media skills.
• Assists in maintaining and updating online bibliographic records; locates and corrects errors in the PAC under the direction of the library media specialist.
• Assists in conducting automated collection inventory and generating related statistical reports.
• Assists in preparation of forms, notices, letters, and other correspondence.
• Manages the circulation desk and runs and maintains statistical reports on usage.
• Acts as a key team member in arranging and designing library media center displays/learning centers and related use of space.
• Assists in facilitating reading incentive programs.
• Works with the media specialist to maintain the physical appearance of the media center as a clean, orderly, and attractive environment.
• Runs, prepares, and distributes overdue notices routinely and maintains related obligation lists/records.
• Participates in workshops and in-service training when appropriate.
• Performs circulation activities (receiving and processing new materials, check-in, check-out, and shelving materials).
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
• To work in a Title I-funded school, 48 college credit hours or a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES is required.
• Previous training and/or experience in a library media center environment preferred.

Skills & Qualifications

• Aptitude for reference work, ability to use core reference materials (print and non-print), and a basic understanding of the Dewey Decimal System.
• Ability to assess needed tasks, take initiative to complete them, and work well independently.
• Ability to exercise considerable patience, courtesy, tact, and good judgment in dealing with students, teachers, administrators, fellow employees, and the general public.
• An interest in and affinity for direct work with young people.
• Love of literature and books (desired).
• Ability to develop proficiency (with training and instruction) in the use of online library management systems.
• Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers in the education of students.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g., video/web conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite—Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

To work in a Title I-funded school, a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment, in lieu of 48 college credit hours, issued by ETS or NES is required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Vision: No special vision requirements with correction.
• Work Environment: Office, school, or similar indoor environment over 2/3 of the time.
• Noise Level: Moderate (between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time).
• Lifting and Carrying: Up to 25 pounds under 1/3 of the time.

Schedule

Days Worked: 191
Months Worked: 10
Hours Worked: 7 per day

Pay

Refer to the Terms of Employment, Benefits and Salary Scale for Unit 4 - SAAAAC (Secretaries and Assistants Association of Anne Arundel County). Grade: SG05; SG06.