Re: The difference between a Librarian and a Library Media S

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I have both a MED degree specializing in Educational Media and an
MLS degree. I have spent most of my career in public libraries.
I left a public library position to teach in a school as a media
specialist in a local urban area.
The principal humiliated the teachers and blamed them for low test
scores of the kids. The kids were rude and there was no
administrative support. I was left alone basically to teach Big 6
concepts to preschool through grade 5. I can't tell you how many
teachers came and left while I was there.
I left one month before tenure to take a job in a primary school in
suburbia. What a difference, there was money for books, plenty of
volunteers, but I was expected to teach reading as if I was a class
room teacher and be a techie. I failed miserably with terrible
reviews, and left after 2 years.
I was a middle aged woman who was not prepared for what most media
specialists now are expected to do. I lost all my self confidence
and proceeded to continue with a weight problem due to all the stress.
Finally, I found a job as a Children's Librarian in a public
library. I have a small staff and work crazy hours, but I thank God
for my job. My director is a straight shooter and tells you exactly
what is happening, good or bad. She is supportive of any programs
that I want to try. I am treated with respect and deal with babies
to seniors. In fact, I am doing more teaching and family education
for parents of young children than I ever thought possible. I am
teaching phonemic awareness on a preschool level.
I made more money in the school situations, but I hated it.
I have tried to communicate with the local school district, but most
of the teachers including some of the media specialists treat public
librarians as second class citizens. I as still a certified teacher
in my state and hope that I will be able to continue with my
certification even if I must take some classes.
In summary, I am a librarian and proud of it. We are all educators,
but some have forgotten it.
I wish you success, whatever you decide.
S1234

On 12/25/08, Booklady wrote:
> Here's one better for you--I've applied for Children's
> Librarian at our local library district but because I have my
> Master's in Educational Media degree, am certified as Teacher
> Librarian (in Colorado) but do not have an MLS, I was not
> considered for their positions requiring an MLS--their answer
> was "If it had been posted as MLS or comparable, then I would
> have been eligible". I even submitted course descriptions for
> my Ed.Media degree. I also have my Elem. Ed. degree and
> certification.
>
> Teacher-Librarian in Colorado requires one year teaching
> experience.
>
> School-Lbrarian in Colorado is for those with their Master's
> but no teaching experience.
>
>
>
>
> On 10/29/08, Jason wrote:
>> Hi Dayatra,
>>
>> Here's the breakdown (from where I sit):
>>
>> Library Clerk - Typically no formal education requirements
>> (high school students on up to workers holding an Associates
>> degree in library studies)
>>
>> Librarian - Holds a Masters Degree in Library Science.
>> Typically employed in a public library, academic library,
>> etc.
>>
>> Teacher - Bachelors or higher degree in education. Holds
>> state teaching certification.
>>
>> Media Specialist (a.k.a. Teacher-Librarian) - Holds a Masters
>> degree in Library Science AND is a certified teacher. Duel
>> credentials.
>>
>> So to answer your question, it's almost comparing apples to
>> oranges as you are trying to compare professionals working in
>> two different fields. If a Media Specialist were to apply for
>> a public librarian position, their MLS would be recognized,
>> but their education credentials may or may not be taken into
>> consideration.
>>
>> On the flip side, if a Librarian were to apply for a Media
>> Specialist position, they would not have the proper teaching
>> qualifications.
>>
>> For more information about Media Specialist education
>> requirements go to:
>> http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aasleducation/recruitme
>> ntlib/libraryedu/libraryeducation.cfm
>>
>> On 10/22/08, Dayatra McKee, Student University of Phoenix
>> wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I am researching information for my Human Resources class
>>> and have to complete a final on a Library Media
>>> Specialist. I am required to submit work stating the entry
>>> level position of a Librarian and what they promote to. I
>>> really don't know if a Library Media Specialist would be
>>> classified higher than a Librarian or a Librarian II. Can
>>> you please help me. I don't know how someone working in a
>>> library starts meaning as a clerk and then progress. I
>>> would like to make sure I catergorize the positions
>>> correctly. Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.
>>>
>>> Dayatra McKee
>>> Student

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