Library Media Specialist is the title for school library media specialists obtaining certificates after February 2004. The Office of Teaching Initiatives issues certificates certifying that an individual has met degree, coursework, assessment, and experience requirements. Certificates are issued in many titles preK-12 in three major categories: classroom teaching, administrative and supervisory, and school service (e.g., school counselor, psychologist, social worker). Library Media Specialist is in the classroom-teaching category.
Educational agencies (BOCES/Big 5 Cities) must obtain State Education Department approval from the New York State Library before the educational agency's Board of Education formally appoints a candidate to the School Library System coordinator/director position.
Councils work with the director to recommend policy and do long-range and short-range planning, including overseeing the development of the system's Plan of Service.