The MLS program in School Librarianship requires five core
courses (LIS 203, LIS 204, LIS 205, LIS 211, and LIS 239), the
culminating comprehensive examination and e-portfolio for
graduation. The School Librarianship Program of the Division
of Library and Information Science is approved by the New York
State Education Department (NYSED) as a K-12 teacher preparation
program.
DESCRIPTION
This concentration is designed to prepare qualified professionals
to teach, research, analyze, produce, and manage the
teaching/learning process of a school's library program. In
addition to the ALA-accreditation of the MLS degree, this
concentration is approved and registered by the New York State
Education Department (NYSED) for the certification of school
library media specialists (K-12).
In order to qualify for NYSED certification, students must also
satisfy prerequisite coursework in pedagogy as well as the liberal
arts and sciences (i.e., general education). Students applying to
the program who do not possess a NYSED classroom teacher
certificate dated February 2, 2004 or later will have their
academic records reviewed in order to determine the sequence of
coursework necessary to meet the certification requirements. The
courses may be taken before, during, or after the MLS program.
Librarians possessing the MLS degree from an ALA-accredited
institution who wish to become certified in school library media
must be accepted into the Advanced Certificate Program and meet all
coursework, examination, and fieldwork/internship
requirements.
Students in this specialization are prepared to manage libraries in
all levels of K–12 schools. The jobs for these graduates are found
across the spectrum of public and private schools as well as at the
district level. While school librarians are often working solo as
the only professional in their libraries, they may also supervise
technicians, assistants, and student or parent volunteers.
The school librarian impacts K–12 student outcomes by collaborating
with teachers, working directly with students, championing reading,
provide information–rich learning environments, and advocating for
information literacy.
Students will emerge with the professional preparation necessary to
succeed as teachers, instructional partners, information
specialists, program administrators, and leaders – the roles
prescribed by the American Association of School
Librarians.
REQUIRED COURSES
LIS 121 – LITERATURE AND RELATED RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN
A survey of books and other materials for children, with emphasis
on selection criteria, developing evaluation skills, familiarity
with award-winning titles and book presentation. Requires
fieldwork.
LIS 126 – LITERATURE AND RELATED RESOURCES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
A survey of books and other materials for young adults, with
emphasis on selection criteria, developing evaluation skills,
familiarity with award-winning titles and book presentation.
Requires fieldwork.
LIS 217 – MULTIMEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR SCHOOL MEDIA
CENTERS
The knowledge and skills to select, plan, produce, and implement
various forms of multimedia and technology in the educational
process in order to deliver academic programs K-12.; Prerequisite:
LIS 204, 205, 261
LIS 234 – SCHOOL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT
Administration of the academic program, services, collection,
staff, and budget of the school library media center.
Planning, research, and evaluation methods for compliance with
state and national standards. Prerequisite: 204, 205,
211
LIS 261 – INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG
ADULTS
Non-fiction and reference sources and services in school and public
libraries as they relate to curriculum support and information
literacy. Focus on the child as reference interview
participant/learner.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT
LIS 269A – SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER INTERNSHIP:
ADOLESCENT
A supervised professional experience combining theory and practice
in a 7-12 school library media center. Meetings of
participants are held and reports are required.
Prerequisites: All required courses and field
experience.
LIS 269C – SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER INTERNSHIP: CHILDHOOD
A supervised professional experience combining theory and practice
in a K-6 school library media center. Meetings of
participants are held and reports are required.
Prerequisites: All required courses and field experience.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NYS CERTIFICATION
In addition to the above requirements, all of the
following must be completed:
- 36 credit School Media Specialist Program of the Division of
Library and Information Science , approved by the New York State
Department of Education
- Pass the St. John's University written comprehensive
examination and e-portfolio
- Child Abuse: Identification and Reporting Workshop
- Violence Prevention Workshop: Project SAVE
- State Required Fingerprinting and Background Check
- Successfully pass the New York State Certification Examination
(Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Written Assessment of Teaching
Skills Portions) Note: students who have received New York teacher
certification before Sept. 2, 1984 do not have to take this
exam.
- File an application for certification with the State Department
of Education. Please visit The New York State Education Department
for a copy of the appropriate forms and application.
To download concentration requirements as a pdf
click here.