Library Specialist

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Principal or District Library Coordinator, perform a variety of specialized library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance, and distribution of books and instructional materials at an assigned elementary school; offer weekly sessions for classes with read-alouds and library skills in coordination with classroom teachers; assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in the Library Media Specialist classification work independently and assume responsibility for the library collection, schedule and day-to-day operations of a school library.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Perform a variety of specialized library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance, and distribution of library books, periodicals and materials at an assigned school site; process new library books and supplemental instructional materials; and oversee the cataloging of books and supplemental instructional materials Oversee the library's materials and annual budget to ensure diverse and up-to-date collections that support grade-level curriculum and students' interest Maintain a strong knowledge of current children's literature, diverse authors, and culturally responsive literature by reading professional and trade publications; solicit input from teaching staff to ensure the collection meets instructional needs. Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment; respond to inquiries and provide information to students and teachers; Plan and conduct weekly sessions for classes, selecting and reading stories, leading discussions, and sharing books Participate in planning library curriculum to support and extend District and classroom curriculum; collaborate with teachers to coordinate planning activities and create a reading culture for the school Assist students with selecting age-appropriate reading; guide students in research Circulate library materials; check library materials in and out to students and staff using an assigned computerized system; shelve returned books and materials; clean, mend, cover, and repair damaged books Process and receive library materials and equipment orders; prepare new and donated materials for introduction into the library materials collection following district protocols; re-organize shelves to adapt to shifts in the collection and curricular needs; maintain the library catalog; conduct periodic inventory and weeding Promote the use of the library to faculty and students, create an inviting environment so the community feels welcome, and monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior in the library Maintain a variety of records related to purchase orders, overdue books and assigned activities; establish and maintain filing systems Open and close the library according to established procedures; maintain a clean and safe environment in the library Prepare displays and bulletin boards that change regularly Organize and oversee library volunteers Operate a variety of office and library equipment including a calculator, copier, printer, computer and assigned software; operate audio-visual equipment including a projector, projection screen, speakers and others as assigned; troubleshoot and arrange for repairs of equipment as needed; stay up to date on the electronic resources and databases that are available to students and teachers. Perform general clerical duties in support of library activities, including filing, typing or duplicating materials Create and organize online resources and specialized book lists to share with the school community Communicate with personnel, caregivers, and outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns Gather library resources and prepare book lists in response to teacher requests; generate surveys, newsletters, e-mail, and other materials regarding library resources and events Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences as assigned Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment; respond to inquiries and provide information to students and teachers Coordinate and facilitate various programs, clubs and other community events to promote literacy, and a community library culture Communication with caregivers regarding library activities; confer with school site staff regarding class and outside events; work with staff and administrators to build support for program and instructional activities

OTHER DUTIES

Perform related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE OF

Functions, operations and maintenance of elementary school libraries Library practices, procedures, reference materials and terminology Operation of a computer and use of a database Library cataloging and classification Filing, indexing and inventory procedures Record-keeping techniques Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary Oral and written communication skills Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy Modern office practices, procedures and equipment Basic knowledge of children's literature Cultural competency and sensitivity in interacting with students from diverse background

ABILITY TO

Perform a variety of technical library duties in the acquisition, circulation, maintenance and distribution of books and instructional materials Assist students and teachers in the selection, location and use of library materials and equipment Collaborate with teachers and district library staff Monitor and maintain acceptable student behavior in the library Read age and subject-appropriate stories to classes Process and shelve library materials Inventory, order and receive library materials and equipment Operate a computer, projection system and assigned software Maintain files and records Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures Prioritize tasks and complete work in a timely manner despite disruptions and distractions Understand and follow oral and written instructions Work with students at all elementary ages and levels

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: bachelor's degree supplemented by college-level coursework in Library and Information Science and two years of library, or other related experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read, and write in a designated second language.

ENVIRONMENT

Library environment Constant interruptions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student behavior Hearing and speaking to exchange information Sitting or standing for extended periods of time Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects typically weighing 50 - 75 pounds Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to shelve and retrieve books Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to shelve and retrieve books

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

The first step in the examination process is the application screening and whether or not the candidate meets the minimum qualifications listed. The testing process may consist of a written exam; an oral exam; a performance exam; a structured interview (SI); a qualification appraisal interview (QAI); an evaluation of training & experience/education (T&E) and/or any combination thereof. ONLY the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test requires and is mandated to have a passing score of 70 on each of the three parts of the test. All other tests will have a passing score set between 50 and 99 depending of a variety of factors affecting that specific recruitment. All candidates must pass the first examination process to be invited to the next step/test in the process. As the testing process consists of a minimum of two examination processes; the weight of each those processes may be determined at any step in the processes. Qualified candidates will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination(s)/test(s). Candidates will be notified of the minimum pass points/test score for each examination and/or test in the examination process.

OTHER:

Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES

All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date. Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to fostering a positive working environment for its employees. Accordingly, BUSD practices shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying of any employee based on an employee's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testi?es or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy. The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination regarding Board Policy 4030: Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator 2020 Bonar Street, Room 116 Berkeley, CA 94702

Phone:

510-486-9338

Email:

nondiscrimination@berkeley.net

Closing Date/Time:

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 ABOUT

THE COMPANY

Berkeley Unified School District 5106448975 About the District Since the founding of the University of California, Berkeley in 1868 and the establishment of Berkeley's first high school in 1879, Berkeley's community has been proud to be a leader in public education. In 1968, the Berkeley Unified School District was the nation's first school district to desegregate without a court order. What you should know about our

District:

Students are our priority. We take pride in our diversity. We hold high expectations for ourselves and our students. We treat each other with respect and act with integrity. Berkeley Unified is responsible for educating more than 9,400 individual students in 11 public elementary schools, 3 middle schools, one comprehensive high school, and an alternative high school. In addition, the district has 3 preschool facilities and an Adult School serving several thousand students each year. With a tradition of excellence rooted in a vibrant community, Berkeley Unified alumni have become national and international leaders in business, civic society, politics, academia, sports and the arts. Students and staff in Berkeley Unified come from a wide variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, surrounded by one of the most intellectually and culturally rich regions in the United States. The Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals of Berkeley Unified are encapsulated in the four

E's:

Excellence Equity Engagement Enrichment Excellence in Learning, in Teaching, and in Service to our Students and Families Equity in Access, in Resource Allocation, and Educational Outcomes Engagement with Parents, Guardians, Families, and Community Enrichment in Curriculum with Music & the Arts, Libraries, Gardens & Nutrition, Science & Health, Physical Education & Sports Parent and Community Involvement The Vision for BUSD is one in which parents, family, and community are an integral part of each school. When parents and families get personally involved in education, their children do better in school and grow up to be more successful in life. This is why Berkeley has dedicated resources and specialized staff to support the home-school partnership and to give all parents/guardians access to understanding opportunities and services available for their children. Public Support Over the past 25 years, the Berkeley Unified School District's ability to provide well-rounded educational resources and opportunities to all students has been significantly boosted by the generous financial support of local taxes that augment the General Fund for specific purposes. Berkeley voters have overwhelmingly supported the Berkeley Schools Excellence Program (BSEP) , a special local tax first adopted in 1986 and renewed consistently since then, most recently as Measure A in 2006. (1986 to present) Berkeley voters are as committed to the safety and modernization of school and district facilities as to the students and educational programs they house, most recently evidenced in the renewal of a maintenance special tax and a new facilities bond in 2010. Facilities Bonds (1992, Measure BB of 2002, Measure I of 2010) Maintenance Parcel Tax (Measure H of 2010) Very Low Class Size Berkeley Public schools have among the lowest class sizes in the state. While many school districts have exceeded 20 students in kindergarten through third grade, thanks to the BSEP tax measure Berkeley has maintained 20:1 since 1984. Grades 4 and 5 classrooms have average student-teacher ratios of 26-1, again much lower than the state average. All Berkeley elementary schools have fewer students than the state average of 525 students — in fact, the Berkeley average is 375. The average student-teacher ratio in academic classrooms in middle school is less than 28:1, and many math classes are 20:1. The average student-teacher ratio in academic classrooms in high schools is 28:1. Because the Berkeley community recognizes that public education is the cornerstone of a productive, creative, and healthy society, all of our schools benefit from the generosity of monetary and in-kind donations. Visit our "Public Support" page to find out more about the generosity and commitment of our supporters and how the many different funding and volunteer organizations enhance each child's education in the Berkeley Public Schools.