HIT> Interview questions

[James Arena <jarena@MAILER.FSU.EDU>]

Hello fellow job hunters (and other interested parties). Here (finally) is
my compiled list of suggested interview questions.  Names have been left
off, more in the interest of saving space than protecting the innocent.
For every set of questions I received at least one request to post the
results, sounds sufficient to me!  Good luck to all!
                                        Alan
                                        jarena@mailer.fsu.edu




        James, part of the reason for asking questions is to make
yourself seem a more attractive candidate.   I would be impressed by
candidates who asked these questions.
        1. I want to always be able to continue learning about my
profession.   What opportunities are there in this district for me to
continually learn?  (conference attendance, coursework incentives, etc.)

        2. I see myself as a risk-taker; I like to try new projects and
I'm not afraid to do things differently if there is a chance that it
will benefit kids and teachers.   How do you (to the principal) feel
about that, and will I find some kindred spirits on the faculty.

        3. What is the average longevity of teachers on staff (this will
tell something about the turnover rate.  I would be concerned ifthe
longevity was high /some of those teachers will have stopped learning
 longevity was high /some of those teachers will have stopped learning
long ago; or if it was extremely low /why aren't people staying around?

        4. About how many teachers a year are hired in this district?
How about this school?



I don't know why you would have to take what you can get.  Two FL systems
were in GA rectuiting media specialists.  Palm Beach Co needs 9 media
specialists that they knkow of and I think it was around Vero that was
also looking.  Ask about the principals concept of what role a media
center schould play in the education of students and how he or she thinks
this can be achieved. The principal is the single most important element
in the direction of a school. Watch for platitudes!  Good Luck.  There was
a good article in an old Emergency Librarian about interview questions.
It was at least 3 years ago.  Had good ideas.  You should be able to find
it in FSU's lib.



James, be sure to ask what "extra" duties may be required of you -
lunchroom proctoring, after school meetings, etc.  Have in mind what you
would be willing to do and what you couldn't tolerate.  Best of luck.


Hello,
Job interviews can be pretty daunting, especially if this is your first
attempt at getting a media position.  Are you looking for a job an
elementary school?  I am a media specialist in an elementary school in
Florida and in my county-Broward-media is a critical shortage area.
Therefore, please don't think that you have to settle for anything you can
get!  I also refer you to a recent article, written by Tom Hart in a
recent Florida Media Quarterly, which outlines the rather desperate situation
which is on the horizon in Florida for trained and certified media
specialists.
However some things I think you should ask about:
1. What is the philosophy of the principal, the school, the committee,etc.
regarding the media center?
2.  What type of monetary support, budget, has the school provided in
recent years?
3.  Does the media specialist provide contract break or plan time for
teachers?  Is the media center collection and the media specialist central
to the instructional deliver in the classroom-or is it an extra?
4.  Is the overall philosophy of the school supportive of "independent,
information literate" users; do the teachers support, use and relie on
resource based learning materials and activities rather than textbook and
work sheets?
5.  In an elementary setting-is the school involved ina literature, whole
language approach to reading; what role does the media specialist plan in
the reading instruction in the school?
6.  Does the school have a technology plan?  Is the media specialist a
member of the plan, what are the goals of the school with regards to
technology-LAN's networks, computer labs, computers in the classroom etc.
7.  Does the media specialist have time to plan with teachers?




James, be sure to ask if the district has a technology plan.  Either way, they
will be impressed with your forward-looking attitude.  Also, you'll be
able to gauge whether they are planning ahead or just adding technology
piecemeal.

You're already way ahead of most people by knowing how to use the net, so
you may want to mention that you have experience in this area...although this is
just gibberish to most administrators.  The key words "instant communication"
and "worldwide access" will probably impress them too.  Don't forget to use
the old standby "lifelong learning" as well.  Good luck..





Like you, I am curently interviewing for school library media positions.
Here are some of the questions I ask that have, thus far, proved valuable
in culling the undesirable jobs:

        - Is there a district-wide policy for dealing with challenged
          materials and, if so, what is it?
        - Is there a district-wide technology coordinator?  Who makes
          the purchasing decisions about new technologies and other
          resources?
        - Is there a long-range plan for technology use and acquisition
          and, if so, what is it?
        - Is there a long-range plan for the development of the school library
          media program? OR Where would you like to see this program in the
          next 5 years?
         - What sort of schedule does the library media center currently use?
          (looking for flexible scheduling)
        - Is there a school library committee?  Who serves on it, and
          what are its functions?
        - Is the library media center automated?  If so, what program is used?
        - What, approximately, is the annual budget of the library media
          program and how is it spent?  Does technology acquisition and
          maintenance have a budget separate from that for buying print
          materials?
        - Is time given for cooperative planning with teachers?
        - Has the school/district defined an information skills curriculum?





Ask about: the budget process, how classes come to the library (flex.
scheduling), how decisions are made (site-based?), support for inservice
like AASL and your state conferences, extracurricular expectations
(coaching, class advisor, etc.) do you provide study halls?, does
technology supplies & hardware come from the media budget or??


Ask questions pertaining to support of the media center by the staff. Do
they see it as a dumping ground for study halls?  Do you have to take anyone
who walks through the door (i.e. "my study hall rots, that's why I'm here").
Outline your perception of how it should be run and see their reaction.
Many administrators do not know what goes on.  You have to be proactive.  Go
seek out staff and show them what you can do.






Am on the other side of the desk i.e. I do the interviewing; however, I
think I can still contribute?

What do you see as the role of the SLMP in the school?
How is the budget handled?
Are there any other duties not specifically related to the job?
Is the librarian an integral part of SBDM, department meetings, etc.?
How do you see the role of the SLMS changing in the next 5 years?
Have you had any recent cases of censorship?  How were they handled?
Does the district have a board adopted selection policy?
Who coordinates the SLM services for the district?
What opportunities for professional growth will be afforded me?
Are efforts of the SLMS to participate in professional organizations
supported?  (including attendence at conferences)




One question that I was asked at the end of a one and one half hour
interview was "we want the Media Center to be the hub or center of our
academic  program.  How can you make our idea come true."
I wanted to say-"Hey, haven't you been listening?????" I just tried to recap.