School librarian?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County is considering eliminating the school librarians (I think they may be called media specialists here, too) and just have library assistants.

Foolish and short sighted idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you still have to have an advanced degree in library science or educational media to work in the Montgomery County system. I know the previous two media specialists in my daughter's school had MLS degrees. Would the money be any more than what you are earning in IT?

OP again - I have an old MLS but would need to do a year-long specialization program. The money would be a bit less, but I would have the same schedule as my kids (and husband, who is a teacher).

[Anonymous]

I hear you. I have an MLS too and once thought about going the school route. When I found out that I needed almost a year's worth of coursework to get certified, I bagged the idea. It does sound nice to be on your child's schedule though. I agree!

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you still have to have an advanced degree in library science or educational media to work in the Montgomery County system. I know the previous two media specialists in my daughter's school had MLS degrees. Would the money be any more than what you are earning in IT?

OP again - I have an old MLS but would need to do a year-long specialization program. The money would be a bit less, but I would have the same schedule as my kids (and husband, who is a teacher).

MCPS Media Specialist here:
I had a traditional old MLS and worked in a research institute, public library etc. After having children, I went back and got certified to be a school media specialist in the state of Maryland. I needed @ 6 library science classes and 4 general education classes because I did not have a teaching background. It was a lot of classes but I buckled down and did it in 1 1/2 years. I immediately got a job with Montgomery County. School Media Specialists is still a strong field in MCPS. There are 10 current vacanies listed for next year. Don't worry about the technology, you will get trained on how to use it as part of being a new Media Specialist in Montgomery Country. If you want to do it, go for it! I love my position. I work with every child in the school.

[Anonymous]

15:32. Curious. Where did you do your additional coursework..University of Maryland? Is any of that online these days. My problem was also the very bad commute to Maryland from where I live. Good for you. I saw that the additional coursework was almost another MLS and I said "no way" to myself. I wound up in another library though (not school) and have a good job so I will stay where I am. I think being a media specialist in Mont. County would be a great job though..

[Anonymous]

15:32-i did my course work at catholic because i had gotten my mls there and the times were better for me. I wanted to go to maryland because i am a maryland resident but they were not helpful to me as a special or postgraduate student. Cu was a lo more expensive, though. The education classes i took online at montgomery college. Some of the cu classes were online or hy p

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:15:32-i did my course work at catholic because i had gotten my mls there and the times were better for me. I wanted to go to maryland because i am a maryland resident but they were not helpful to me as a special or postgraduate student. Cu was a lo more expensive, though. The education classes i took online at montgomery college. Some of the cu classes were online or hy p

Didn't realize that Montgomery College had the ed classes online. MUCH cheaper and so convenient. Particularly if you are balancing a family with your schoolwork.

[Anonymous]

The undergraduate education classes were required by the state of Maryland for certification. I was able to take these online at Montgomery College. The other library science coursework was taken at Catholic.

[Anonymous]

Just saw this today...

https://mcps.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=384588

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're called media specialists in Mo Co.

And for high school, you really must know your research d-bases.

Some are in charge of the AV equipment, too, and expect - in well run schools - to teach classes in collaboration (sometimes not) with teachers. So you should know the Promethean Board or Smart Boards (whatever they use).

Furthermore, except to be an expert on information literacy. So teaching students how to read expository texts is a must. Keep in mind you'll also have to train students in navigation and analysis of websites/webpages.

What kind of certification is required for a job like this? How many years of experience is recommended?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The undergraduate education classes were required by the state of Maryland for certification. I was able to take these online at Montgomery College. The other library science coursework was taken at Catholic.

How much time and money did all this cost you and are you employed as a media specialist now?

[Anonymous]

PP. See 10:30