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One of the attendance clerks just came to me and asked me about whether
she should apply for a position with Mesa Public Schools as a "Resource
Center Specialist" which is what they are calling the paraprofessionals
who are replacing the librarians who were recently RIF'd.  Her daughter
works at one of the Mesa High Schools as a registrar and they are
encouraging her to also apply for the position at her school.  She has
been told that she can get "caught up to speed" on the job by taking
classes through the local junior college (Mesa Community College). The
pay is $11.91/hour.
 
Here are the essential duties as posted at
http://www2.mpsaz.org/hr/job_openings/class/files/resource_center_specia
list__am147.pdf

* Organize, process and maintain resource materials to ensure
appropriateness and availability for
student and teacher use; schedule and monitor use of media center
* Perform data entry concerning books and other resource materials in
computerized management
system
* Perform circulation tasks (i.e. checking books and resource materials
in/out; issuing debt notices, etc)
* Provide guidance and direction to students and teachers in the
utilization and selection of media center
resources
* Maintain and monitor budget expenditures according to district
policies and procedures to ensure
availability of resources and proper use of funds
* Order and receive library and media resources and equipment
appropriate to school's needs
* Maintain and repair resource materials and troubleshoot media and
computer equipment; submit work
orders when needed
* Conduct computerized inventory of library collection and resource
center materials and equipment to
ensure accurate recordkeeping and documentation of lost and/or damaged
materials
* Coordinate and manage district interlibrary loan process
* Prepare and process written materials to disseminate information to
appropriate parties (i.e.
correspondence, late notices, overdue lists, etc)
* Prepare reports relative to the operation of the media center to
disseminate information to appropriate
parties (i.e. circulation and patron statistics, etc)
* Provide an environment that is conducive to learning (i.e.
orderliness, displays, bulletin boards, etc)
* Oversee and assign tasks to additional support staff, student helpers
and/or volunteers

And here are the qualifications:
* High School education or equivalent; library and technology coursework
and/or equivalent experience
preferred
* Average proficiency in typing, with good accuracy; above average test
battery; good math aptitude
* Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications
(Word, Excel, etc) and Destiny,
Genesis and OBARS
* Knowledge of and experience in library procedures to include Dewey
Decimal System, computerized
Library Management System and Internet searching skills
* Ability to operate standard office equipment and audio visual
equipment; ability to lift up to 50 pounds
* Ability to troubleshoot computers, peripherals and equipment to
determine needed repair
* Ability to organize and prioritize workload, take initiative and work
independently, and meet deadlines
while working with frequent interruptions and minimum supervision
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and
to effectively

This is the link for the classes
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/library/lbt.html Per the webpage "The degree
will meet the needs of the students who seek a program of study that
includes a general education 2-year degree. The degree will be a program
of study consisting of 64 hours of courses including 24 hours of study
in Library and Information Resources."  Of course Mesa Public Schools is
no encouraging these people to complete the other 64 hours- just the 24.
Two of the five areas of study (each being a 2-credit class) are
"Technical Services acquisition, organization, selection and management
of library materials and Reference and Electronic Information Resources
basic Internet, on-line research, data retrieval/transfer, databases."
The other three I would consider applicable for all library classified
positions. 
These are the people that they are replacing certificated librarians
with for the next how many years?  My attendance clerk was told by her
daughter that it would probably be at least two years if not longer.
The sad part is that unless the Arizona economy turns around in the next
year, my position and most if not all of the librarians in my District
will also be replaced with cheaper classified staff.  I know several
other districts in Arizona are already doing this, but this is the first
time where I have actually seen the job qualification and duties listed
for the replacements.  
I can retire at the end of next year.  I had not planned on retiring for
another 3-4 years, but my job and those of the other librarians were
saved this year through one-time only shuffles with our District's
budget.  Next year looks worse because the state won't be able to use
Federal stimulus funds to fund education.  More than 40% of our state's
budget funds education.  So, when there is a major shortfall in the
budget (we have the third largest deficit in the nation), they have to
look at cutting educational funding.  I understand the accounting side
of this problem, but what it is going to do to education in Arizona
breaks my heart. Change is needed and soon.  Next year I will be writing
a procedures manual to help whomever replaces me.  I just hope that I
remember everything that needs to go into it!

Linda De Vore
Media Center Director
Casa Grande Middle School
Casa Grande, AZ 85222
linda.devore@cgelem.k12.az.us

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most
accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."
-
Charles W. Eliot 


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