Media Specialist

Media Specialist

The role of the Media Specialist is to assist with schools, libraries, and businesses with educational and training presentations. They advise teachers and administrators on the use of visual and audio techniques to enhance a class curriculum or business proposal.  This is accomplished by compiling films, video and audiotapes, photographs, or software programs.  Media Specialists also work with and provide cameras, camcorders, film projectors, slides projectors, recording equipment, VCR, DVD, CD and cassette players.  Regardless of the institution or technology used, Media Specialists must keep up to date on developments in media and learning methods.  They constantly attend conventions and conferences to learn about the newest software and advancements.

An important consideration for all Media Specialists is to have adaptable skills depending on where they are needed.  Below are some examples of what responsibilities a Media Specialist will most likely have in a place of education or business.

Education:

- Develop policies about uses of media

- Help teachers plan programs for classes

- Conduct workshops on the use of media in the classroom

- Explain the type of equipment and what is available from state and district offices

- Perform basic maintenance of equipment

Business:

- Train workers and distribute information to the public

- Research and develop public service announcements

A Media Specialist in Government, Medical and Industrial Corporations, International Humanitarian Organizations, and other nongovernmental organizations will need similar skills.

Educational Requirements

A Media Specialist’s knowledge and skills vary depending on where they work. Generally, a Bachelor or Master Degree is preferred in the following fields:

- Educational Media

- Instructional Education

- Library Science

- Library Media

- Communications

- Education 

Volunteering at media centers or educational programs are also encouraged and expected.

How To Be Successful In the Workplace:

To be successful a Media Specialist needs to know when starting their career. When working at a new school, it is imperative that the Media Specialist meets and introduces themselves to the teaching staff and to learn the teacher's curriculum.  A strong understanding of the school’s standard course of study will be beneficial when called upon to offer their services in enhancing the curriculum with video, slides, etc. It is also necessary to document everything, for the inevitable teacher absence and a substitute teacher is needed.  This documentation includes lesson plans, collaboration logs, correspondence from other employees, PowerPoint presentations and information about other professional organizations.

It is important to be familiar with the resource center and to keep the center fully stocked.  It is crucial to listen to customers and to lend a helping hand whenever possible.  Traits and qualities that will help a media specialist are being versatile, creative, and cooperative.  The Media Specialist field is high in interpersonal interaction, thus a high level of patience and willingness to learn are extremely important.

The Princeton Review - Career: Media Specialist

The Princeton Review is dedicated to helping students and aspiring teachers be the best-educated person they can be.  They provide study aides and extensive information on different career paths in teaching.

StateUniversity.com - School Media Specialist

StateUniversity.com provides young people information on all State Universities in the United States of America.  They provide information on tuition, financial aid, curriculum, rankings, etc.

Media Specialists

Media Specialists is a help site and service provider for people who are already Media Specialists.  They provide news on new technology and help Media Specialists better themselves professionally.

School Library Journal

The School Library Journal is the leading print magazine and website in serving librarians across the world. They provide librarians with everything they need to educate young people and adults alike.