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 whomwould you turn? The best option would be a media specialist. Media specialists get to workwith multimedia equipment (such as television and video equipment), cameras, film projectors,slides, and recording equipment, usually on behalf of a school, library, or business. Amedia 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 librarymedia specialists, and, like librarians, they help teachers and lecturers choose and locateaudiovisual aids that are used in classrooms, training sessions,conferences, seminars, and workshops. They acquire,catalog, and maintain collateral material such as films, videoand audiotapes, photographs, and software programs. Media specialists largely work forschools 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 materialto 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 instructingteachers and students in the operation of audiovisual equipment. They also perform simplemaintenance 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 humanitarianorganizations, and other nongovernmental organizations that need to train workers and distributeinformation to the public require the services of media specialists. Some media specialistswill find work researching and developing public service announcements run byhealth, welfare, and social services; community action groups; and radio and television stations.Professionals keep on top of developments in media and learning methods by attendingconventions, conferences, and seminars; reading trade journals; and communicating withindustry insiders. Much of their time is spent previewing products, ordering supplies, andorganizing materials. Even though most media specialists have heavy schedules, their rewardcomes 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 requirementfor this profession. A master’s degree in these programs or in communications, libraryscience, library media, or education will benefit individuals applying for work in the schoolsystem. Many media specialists start out as teachers and, with additional training, move intothis profession. Aspirants to the profession can greatly enhance their job prospects by doingvolunteer work in media centers at local libraries or finding part-time employment withcompanies that sell or produce audiovisual programs and equipment. They must be able tooperate different kinds of audiovisual equipment and instruct others on how to operate themas 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 haveto work hard at his or her craft before salary scales rise to an optimum level.
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Present and Future
Technology has redefined the principles of education. Teaching tools such as charts andmaps have been replaced by computers,CD-ROMs,DVDs, and PowerPoint presentations. Asmore companies set up in-house libraries and research and training departments, opportunitieswill continue to increase for media specialists who will be needed to locate, catalog, andmaintain reference materials. Whereas teachers and students have more access to informationtoday, 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 jobof the media specialist, who is versed in the use of media resources, is virtually assured. Astechnology continues to drive the growth of industries, training will continue to be an integralpart of preparing workers for new job situations and improving and updating currentskills.
Quality of Life
PRESENT AND FUTURE
The two-year media specialist has to learn about the business and keep current ofall new developments in the industry. Reading trade journals and attending conventions,exposés, seminars, and workshops are crucial for media specialists who wishto 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 specialistshould now be able to command a relatively higher salary if he or she is inthe right market. Media specialists who are working in the school system start to considerbecoming 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 outletsas well as scanning trade publications to keep updated. Returning to school for furthereducation 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-rangingand current knowledge of the industry. If he or she is working within the schoolsystem, a move to the private sector will probably prove considerably more lucrativeand challenging. Social, health, and welfare services may prove interesting for the socially andpolitically conscious. With higher education and a PhD, the ambitious media specialist canfind work as a college professor or director of a college media program.
