A Day in the Life of a Media Specialist
If you were about to give a talk to a class or present something at a meeting, to whom
would you turn? The best option would be a media specialist. Media specialists get to work
with multimedia equipment (such as television and video equipment), cameras, film projectors,
slides, and recording equipment, usually on behalf of a school, library, or business. A
media specialist is a type of teacher who works with multimedia equipment to make classes,
presentations, and lectures more vibrant and exciting. They are sometimes called library
media specialists, and, like librarians, they help teachers and lecturers choose and locate
audiovisual aids that are used in classrooms, training sessions,
conferences, seminars, and workshops. They acquire,
catalog, and maintain collateral material such as films, video
and audiotapes, photographs, and software programs. Media specialists largely work for
schools and institutions of learning, but some of them work in libraries, government agencies,
private industries, and other businesses.
Media specialists working in school systems help teachers by finding relevant material
to be used as teaching aids. They work closely with teachers in ordering course materials,
determining what training aids are best suited for particular grade levels, and instructing
teachers and students in the operation of audiovisual equipment. They also perform simple
maintenance tasks such as cleaning monitors and lenses and changing batteries and lightbulbs.
Technicians usually handle repairs and more complex maintenance work.
Government agencies, medical and industrial corporations, international humanitarian
organizations, and other nongovernmental organizations that need to train workers and distribute
information to the public require the services of media specialists. Some media specialists
will find work researching and developing public service announcements run by
health, welfare, and social services; community action groups; and radio and television stations.
Professionals keep on top of developments in media and learning methods by attending
conventions, conferences, and seminars; reading trade journals; and communicating with
industry insiders. Much of their time is spent previewing products, ordering supplies, and
organizing materials. Even though most media specialists have heavy schedules, their reward
comes with the knowledge and enlightenment they help bring to students and other audiences.
Paying Your Dues
A bachelor’s degree in educational media or instructional technology is the basic requirement
for this profession. A master’s degree in these programs or in communications, library
science, library media, or education will benefit individuals applying for work in the school
system. Many media specialists start out as teachers and, with additional training, move into
this profession. Aspirants to the profession can greatly enhance their job prospects by doing
volunteer work in media centers at local libraries or finding part-time employment with
companies that sell or produce audiovisual programs and equipment. They must be able to
operate different kinds of audiovisual equipment and instruct others on how to operate them
as well. Applicants must be inventive, creative, and able to adapt to different environments.
Since a media specialist’s salary depends on experience and geography, the specialist will have
to work hard at his or her craft before salary scales rise to an optimum level.
Present and Future
Technology has redefined the principles of education. Teaching tools such as charts and
maps have been replaced by computers,CD-ROMs,DVDs, and PowerPoint presentations. As
more companies set up in-house libraries and research and training departments, opportunities
will continue to increase for media specialists who will be needed to locate, catalog, and
maintain reference materials. Whereas teachers and students have more access to information
today, the effective delivery of this information is now the job of media specialists.
With rapid expansion of technology and the explosion of information sources, the job
of the media specialist, who is versed in the use of media resources, is virtually assured. As
technology continues to drive the growth of industries, training will continue to be an integral
part of preparing workers for new job situations and improving and updating current
skills.
Quality of Life
PRESENT AND FUTURE
The two-year media specialist has to learn about the business and keep current of
all new developments in the industry. Reading trade journals and attending conventions,
exposés, seminars, and workshops are crucial for media specialists who wish
to succeed in the field.
FIVE YEARS OUT
With considerable experience working with a variety of audiovisual equipment,
developing collateral material, and acquiring and maintaining stock, the media specialist
should now be able to command a relatively higher salary if he or she is in
the right market. Media specialists who are working in the school system start to consider
becoming media program coordinators for their school districts, if such a move is possible.
At this stage, the professional is still making the rounds at conventions and audiovisual outlets
as well as scanning trade publications to keep updated. Returning to school for further
education is a possibility for the professional in search of upward mobility.
TEN YEARS OUT
The media specialist at the 10-year level is a marketable commodity with wide-ranging
and current knowledge of the industry. If he or she is working within the school
system, a move to the private sector will probably prove considerably more lucrative
and challenging. Social, health, and welfare services may prove interesting for the socially and
politically conscious. With higher education and a PhD, the ambitious media specialist can
find work as a college professor or director of a college media program.