What is an essential responsibility of a library media specialist supervising staff?

An essential responsibility of a library media specialist supervising staff is setting clear expectations for performance. This involves defining specific roles, outcomes, and standards of work that align with the library's goals and the educational institution's objectives. By establishing these expectations, the library media specialist helps staff understand their responsibilities, fosters accountability, and encourages professional growth. Clear guidelines also help in monitoring performance and providing constructive feedback, which contributes to a productive and effective work environment.

While creating a comfortable working environment can be important for staff morale and productivity, it does not directly address the supervisory function of ensuring that staff members know what is expected of them in their roles. The other options, such as reducing staff numbers and increasing operational costs, do not align with the responsibilities of a library media specialist focused on staff supervision and development.