Media Specialist
A Media Specialist is a professional responsible for managing and curating collections of various media forms, such as books, videos, audio recordings, and software, primarily within educational and public library settings. These specialists play a crucial role in assisting teachers and students in integrating multimedia resources into educational curricula, enhancing reading and research skills. They often work in clean, organized environments like school and university libraries, where they help patrons locate information and provide training on using technology effectively.
The role involves multitasking, as media specialists must cater to the informational needs of diverse users while managing library operations, including budgeting and policy recommendations. They typically work standard hours but may also engage with the community during evenings or weekends. A background in education or library science is common, along with skills in information technology and multimedia systems. To pursue a career as a Media Specialist, individuals usually need a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s in library science or educational media. This occupation is characterized by its supportive nature, fostering a love for learning and access to information within the community.
Media Specialist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training, Health Science
Interests: Library information and technology, library media, education, media acquisition, library services, library science
Earnings (Median Yearly): $64,370 annual $30.95 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Media specialists are library professionals who manage collections of many different forms of media, including periodicals, video and film recordings, audio recordings, and software. They are often experienced in the use of information technology and other multimedia systems and equipment as well. Many of them work in education, helping teachers and administrators integrate the various types of media into school libraries and curricula; others work in public or specialized libraries, assisting patrons in locating the information they need.
Work Environment. Media specialists work in settings that are clean, quiet, organized, and well-lit. Educational media specialists usually work in school or university libraries. The job may be stressful at times, especially when large groups are in the library, as media specialists must frequently manage multiple tasks at once. They typically work standard forty-hour work weeks, although they may work on weekends and in the evening. Media specialists may occasionally be required to bend down to check and adjust various systems or lift and move heavy stacks of books or equipment.
Occupation Interest. Media specialists may have a background in education or library science. Whether they work primarily with teachers or librarians, they are responsible for educating people on the use of all different types of media. They should be flexible and creative, have an aptitude for information technology, and find satisfaction in assisting others in their pursuit of knowledge.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Media specialists tend to the informational needs of teachers, students, and members of the general public. They assist library patrons in locating different types of media. School media specialists develop integrated programs that enhance students’ reading and research skills by selecting videos, audio recordings, books, and web-based materials to share with them. They also assist teachers in merging traditional reading assignments with non-print information, suggesting books, websites, videos, and other media of value to ensure that the curricula being taught are up-to-date. School media specialists train teachers and students on how to locate, access, and download new online information and frequently host workshops for fellow educators and librarians on the use of multimedia. A large number of them are also administrators, in which capacity they provide insight to fellow district leaders on the best ways to integrate multimedia-based educational approaches into school curricula.
Many media specialists are librarians who manage the day-to-day operations of the facility. In this capacity, they may oversee other employees, establish budgets for the library’s media resources, educate patrons on the use of computers and other forms of information technology, or perform minor routine maintenance. Additionally, media specialists recommend policies that ensure that online resources and other non-print media are being used for their intended purposes and not accessed for illegal activities.
Institutional Librarians (100.167-022). Institutional Librarians plan and direct library programs for residents and staff of extended care facilities, such as mental health facilities and prisons.
Music Librarians (100.367-022). Music Librarians classify and file musical recordings, sheet music, original arrangements, and scores for individual instruments.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Media specialists work in universities, schools, and other library settings, frequently localized to a media center within those facilities, although many oversee the entire library. These settings are spacious enough to house rows of books, periodicals, personal computers, office equipment, private study rooms, and work tables. Libraries are generally very quiet, though there is usually a great deal of individual and/or group activity occurring at once.
Human Environment. Media specialists frequently work with librarians and library assistants, teachers, students, parents, computer technicians, school administrators and officials, and members of the general public.
Technological Environment. Media specialists rely largely on computer hardware and software, telecommunications equipment, and audiovisual systems. Among the technologies with which they work are personal and notebook computers, audio players, multipurpose phone systems, and digital audio and video recorders. They also use different forms of software, including presentation and office suites, electronic cataloging programs, online research databases such as the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and EBSCOhost, as well as website creation software like cascading style sheets (CSS) programs or Drupal.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should take classes that instill an understanding of various forms of non-print media, including computer science, graphic design, and audiovisual courses and activities. Additionally, they must build their reading, writing, and public speaking skills through courses in literature and communication. Students can also gain experience by volunteering in a library media center or working part-time for an audiovisual equipment manager or retailer.
Postsecondary. Media specialists must have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as literature, education, or library science. They are generally required to have a master’s degree in library science, educational media, or a similar discipline. Those individuals who pursue a Ph.D. in these fields will have an advantage in a competitive job market.
Related Occupations
− Research Assistant
Bibliography
"Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Department of Labor, 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-4022.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
“Librarians & Library Media Specialists.” My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/25-4022.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
“Librarians and Library Media Specialists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.