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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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. 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