Do Schools Need a Certified Library Media Specialist (LMS)?

The certified school librarian is a professional, trained to develop and manage the library program, to be a curriculum partner-leader and to provide instruction on critical thinking and information literacy skills.

The Value of the school LMS to student learning

Certified school librarians work with all teachers and all students. They are a school’s information specialist and help teachers integrate resources and technology to meet state standards.

Roles of the LMS

Library media specialists are both teachers and librarians. They motivate students to read, they collaborate with teachers in every subject area and they help students learn how to find, analyze and use information -- skills needed to be successful in school and the workplace.

Personnel Tools for LMS - Interview questions, Job Descriptions and Evaluation Forms

The library media specialist’s position differs from that of a classroom teacher and should have an appropriate job description and evaluation process. Additional examples of tools to manage this unique position will be found in the section on evaluating the school library program.

Note: The following resources provide complete evaluation systems which can be adapted or used in part.

For questions or comments, please contact: mbaldini@kent.edu
330-672-4048

This project is funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the U.S. Department of Education.