What Does a Library Media Specialist (LMS) Do in Minnesota?

School libraries are transforming, and the professionals who run them are also evolving. Today’s Library Media Specialists (LMSs) have moved beyond simply curating books to becoming certified educators who integrate technology and lead instructional strategies. However, the absence of this vital presence is becoming a prevalent problem across Minnesota. 

A significant gap exists in Minnesota school libraries: 81% of schools report having a library, yet only 6% meet the national standard of staffing a full-time, licensed LMS with a full-time support staff. This distinct variance highlights growing concerns: students are left behind in paramount skills like digital literacy, research, and unbiased access to information.

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The Role of a Licensed LMS

According to the Minnesota Rule 8710.4550, licensed Library Media Specialists are certified professionals who are trained to: 

• Teach students how to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information 
• Integrate digital literacy and research skills into classroom instruction 
• Curate and manage up-to-date, diverse library collections 
• Support both students and teachers with individualized instructional resources 
• Administer the library media program, including budget, policy, and technology oversight. 

LMSs have multiple responsibilities that are beyond shelving books, including acting as instructional leaders and equality supporters. 

What LMSs Do That Paras Can’t 

The collaboration between paraprofessionals (paras), who are excellent educational resources, and a licensed LMS, which is responsible for all instructional and programmatic functions, with paraprofessionals providing valuable educational support. Here is how their roles differ: 

The delivery of instruction on topics such as media literacy, ethical information use, and inquiry-based learning can be supported by using a licensed LMS, but may be more difficult without one.