The library media specialist is an essential link in the learning process which includes students, teachers, administrators, and parents.  The library media specialist provides a bridge between formal, school based learning and independent, lifelong learning.  The library media specialist provides services to all those in a school setting.  The library media specialist works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and others in the following rules: as a teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator.

     The library media specialist as a teacher creates a library media center that is student centered, welcoming, and supportive with equitable access to materials. Teaching skills students need to learn and achieve in various subject matters is also a role of the media specialist.  The media specialist works with students and teachers to analyze learning and information needs to locate, and use resources that will meet those needs and to understand how to communicate the information.  The media specialist teaches students to use information for critical thinking and problem solving to become lifelong learners.

    As an instructional partner the media specialist colloborates with teachers in planning, recommending resources for intergration with instructional units.  Working with the entire school family, allows the media specialist to take a leadership role in developing curriculum and activities that guide students to develop full range of information skills.  The media specialist works closely with teachers to intergrate the information and communication abilities required to meet subject matters.

    The library media specialist provides expertise in locating resources and information to teachers, students, administrators.  The media specialist must keep abreast of current literature and other resources by reading journals and other related resources.  Library media specialist as an information specialist connects students to information within and beyond the classroom walls.

     Being a program administrator allows the media specialist to guide and direct all the activities related to the library media program.  The media specialist is an advocate for the library media program and provides knowledge, vision, and leadership to steer it creatively and energetically.  The librarian plans, excutes, and evalutes the library media program which aligns with the school district goals.

     The overall goal of the library media specialist is to assist all students to become active lifelong learners through research and reading experiences.  As the keystone of a student centered environment the librarian works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and others as a teacher, information specialist, instructional partner, and program administrator.