A media specialist, sometimes referred to as a library media specialist, is an individual trained to work with a variety of multimedia and related equipment. Those in media specialist jobs are also typically proficient in the acquisition, retrieval, and cataloging of various forms of media that is relevant to the mission or brand of an organization or a specific event held by the organization. For example, a media specialist may be called upon to coordinate a visual or audio presentation for a trade show, or to arrange for the availability of certain media to help supplement a seminar or workshop designed to inform a group of people on a particular subject.
Many media specialist jobs can be found in educational facilities, such as schools and universities. In fact, the profession is often viewed as a cross section between the roles of teacher and librarian in the sense that they may either conduct a training session personally, or assist an educator with selecting the most appropriate media to use as teaching aids. Of course, they also assist in running and maintaining equipment used to present the media, such as film and slide projectors, digital recorders, and other various types of audio and visual equipment.
Some media specialist jobs involve setting up and maintaining a media center within an organization or facility. In effect, this scenario provides an opportunity to create displays that showcase new books or films, and perhaps a system or schedule with which individuals may borrow certain forms of media. In some cases, this task may extend to merchandizing various forms of media that may be available for rent or for sale.
Government agencies and community action groups also provide a venue for media specialist jobs. In these environments, a media specialist may become involved in producing media to keep the public informed of the organization’s activities and achievements. Some media specialist jobs in these sectors even involve making presentations at meetings or conventions, while others involve preparing the copy for officials to use during public speaking engagements based on information obtained from articles, documentaries, and other resources.
Many media specialist jobs are far more involved in the duties of public relations. In addition to collecting and organizing media, the specialist may also conduct research, surveys, and interviews that equates to being more of a press secretary. Many media specialists in this role are also required to research and write collateral materials, even those related to marketing and advertising. In addition, they may also prepare reports, project scopes, white papers, and business proposals relating to certain projects.
In order to become a media specialist, most employers prefer a college degree in journalism or communications. However, this is a profession often open to those with less education and more practical experience. This means that someone with experience in proposal writing, desktop publishing, print journalism, or other skills related to research or social sciences can often get a foot in the door.
