What is the primary role of a media specialist in a school setting?

The primary role of a media specialist in a school setting is to facilitate access to information and resources. This encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including curating and managing collections of books, digital media, and online resources to support the educational needs of students and teachers. Media specialists also instruct students in information literacy skills, helping them navigate and evaluate information sources effectively. By providing access to diverse resources and fostering an environment that encourages inquiry and learning, media specialists play a crucial role in enhancing student engagement and enhancing the overall educational experience.

In contrast, conducting standardized testing, managing finances, or supervising administrative staff fall outside the core responsibilities of a media specialist. These tasks are typically handled by other specialized staff within a school, such as teachers, administrators, or finance officers. This distinction highlights the media specialist's focus on promoting information access and literacy rather than administrative functions.