A public high school librarian - officially known as a Library Information Specialist - is a certified educator who manages the school's library program and integrates information technology into the curriculum.
Core Responsibilities
- Instructional Leader: Collaborates with teachers to develop lessons that integrate research skills, digital literacy, and state standards into various subjects.
- Information Specialist: Teaches students and staff how to acquire, evaluate, and ethically use information and technology.
- Program Management: Manages the library budget, catalogs and classifies resources, and conducts regular inventories or "weeding" of obsolete materials.
- Collection Development: Selects and requisitions new print and digital materials that reflect a diverse range of perspectives and support the school's specific curricular needs.
- Literacy Promotion: Fosters a school-wide love of reading through leisure reading access, interest centers, and literacy initiatives.
- Technology Coordinator: Often oversees school-wide technology like student Chromebooks, digital databases, and library software systems.
Requirements & Certification
- Education: Requires a Master's degree in library information science from a state-approved graduate program.
- Licensure: Must hold a valid Tennessee teaching license
- Testing: Candidates must pass required Praxis exams