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 here, thanks everyone for the input! PPs 21:33 and 15:21, special thanks for the detailed info. Very interesting news on the DCPS changes - that is encouraging.

+1 Everything 21:33 said.

Also, DCPS is making some big changes in their school libraries, following a commitment Henderson made to improve all school libraries by 2017. They have recently made a change in the district office, pushing out the longtime manager of library services and bringing in a new director. They may have openings for the 2014/2015 school year and are likely getting together an applicant pool at this (March-May) time.

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

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's very tough out there in the schools for the media specialists. The ones I know have a lot on their plates. Have you ever considered public libraries? That's where I work. Lots of retirements, flexible schedules. Many working moms.

Public librarian here too. Care to say what system you work for? Very few working moms in mine and the schedule isn't really that flexible. Two nights a week, three days. On one weekend (Saturday and Sunday), off two rotation.

County system in MD. I was referring to the flexibility in that you might be able to work a schedule where you work evenings so you can be with kids during day. We only do every other Sat.

OP, go into educational technology instead of becoming a librarian. That's really big in schools right now, especially privates.

Anonymous wrote:I think it's very tough out there in the schools for the media specialists. The ones I know have a lot on their plates. Have you ever considered public libraries? That's where I work. Lots of retirements, flexible schedules. Many working moms.

Public librarian here too. Care to say what system you work for? Very few working moms in mine and the schedule isn't really that flexible. Two nights a week, three days. On one weekend (Saturday and Sunday), off two rotation.

I had to laugh about ancient mls! Mine is ancient too.

I think it's very tough out there in the schools for the media specialists. The ones I know have a lot on their plates. Have you ever considered public libraries? That's where I work. Lots of retirements, flexible schedules. Many working moms.

What is the market for reading specialists?

Anonymous wrote:These positions are very hard to get and many places now hire technicians instead of full MLS' (my husband is a librarian--not a school librarian so others may prove me wrong--this is mostly based on tangential info).

+1 My sister is a school librarian nearing retirement and said this is the route many school systems are using.

I am a librarian, not a school librarian but I agree with 15:47. A few years ago, DCPS let most of their media specialist go. The job market is flooded with librarians.

These positions are very hard to get and many places now hire technicians instead of full MLS' (my husband is a librarian--not a school librarian so others may prove me wrong--this is mostly based on tangential info).

Any school librarians out there? How is that career these days? I have an ancient MLS (mid-90s) and work in IT, but now have little ones and am mulling over going back for the year of classes to get the school library certification. Any input on this idea would be very welcome...