School Library Media Studies Sequence
The University of Vermont has designed a series of courses to help educators gain licensure as school library media specialists. The content of the coursework addresses the essential competencies required by the State of Vermont. These competencies are available as a PDF file on the Vermont Educator Licensing web site
Upon completion of the series, qualified individuals may request transcript analysis by the State Department of Education. Currently, licensure is not automatic. Individuals may pursue licensure and endorsement through several processes, depending on their status as educators and their backgrounds. Download "Who needs to be licensed and endorsed as a School Library Media Specialist?" (PDF) to read more information.
Sequence Overview
While the sequence originated with practicing educators in mind, it is by no means aimed exclusively at teachers. For most educators who are already certified, the basic courses in the series will provide competencies leading to endorsement in library media. Those who are not currently certified educators will also have to demonstrate competencies that satisfy the sixteen principles included in the Five Standards for Vermont Educators. These competencies may require additional coursework in education. For licensed school library media specialists, courses in the sequence may serve as an important resource for professional development or recertification credits.
All the courses in the sequence are upper level/graduate courses. Where applicable, they may fit into a master's degree program, such as UVM's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
Sequence of Courses for 2009-2011
This series of courses is designed to flow as a sequence, and the management course (EDLI 272), offered in the Fall of 2009, is a prerequisite for all other courses. However, the courses may be taken as stand alone courses or taken out of sequence as circumstances permit, once permission of the instructor is obtained.
FALL 2009
EDLI 272 Managing School Library Media Centers
This course examines the fundamental principles and issues of school librarianship, such as intellectual freedom, equity, and access. Students prepare for organizing and operating a school library media center with emphasis on the development of policies and procedures, budget preparation, facility design, personnel administration, and public relations with school and community. Students explore the library media specialist's role in facilitating development of written, spoken, visual, and other forms of literacy. A sample syllabus is available.
SPRING 2010
EDLI 200 Developing & Organizing School Library Media Center Collections
To develop a balanced collection that reflects curriculum and individual students’ needs, students explore collection policy development, evaluation, selection, and acquisition of print and non-print materials including books, periodicals, audiovisuals, computer software, and other instructional materials. Participants study the methods used to organize library media center collections, including sources of bibliographic information and MARC records, standard cataloging practices, Sears subject headings, and the Dewey Decimal Classification system. A sample syllabus is available.
SUMMER 2010
EDLI 277 Information Technologies for School Library Media Centers
This course focuses attention on the diverse aspects of using, working with, and planning for the efficacious use of technology in modern school libraries. The course is focused by four themes: becoming a competent and confident user of technology; working in the technology-rich school library; knowing the technology students will encounter; and understanding and supporting learning with technology. Topics in these themes include web 2.0 applications and authoring, modern productivity suites, ethics in the digital world, equipment maintenance and repair, and models of technology integration. A sample syllabus is available.
FALL 2010
EDLI 276 Information Sources & Services for School Library Media Centers
Participants learn how to help students and teachers find information using print, electronic, and other information sources. They also practice evaluating and selecting a full range of reference tools for a core collection in elementary and secondary school libraries. Coursework includes considering theoretical aspects of reference work and developing reference interview skills. Providing information assistance through a variety of media, including blogs, wikis, and podcasts is also discussed. A sample syllabus is available.
SPRING 2011
EDLI 274 Designing Instruction for School Library Media Centers
This course focuses on integrating the library media program with the curriculum and the educational philosophy of the school. Coursework emphasizes the role of the library media professional in instructional design, and addresses information literacy standards and various models of the research process. Participants consider learning styles, classroom management, and assessment techniques. A sample syllabus is available.
SUMMER 2011
EDLI 200 Children’s & Young Adult Literature for School Library Media Specialists
This course is designed as a survey of the context and literary merit of young adult and children’s literature, that is, books written for and read by readers from ages 5-17. Emphasis is on literature that is both interesting and of literary merit, as well as diverse in its genre, characters, cultures represented, and readers to whom it appeals. The class considers two strands—reading and teaching. The three main areas include literacy development, reader’s advisory, and presenting "books" to children and young adults. A sample syllabus is available.
Where Can I Take Classes?
Courses are offered through Continuing Education and are available throughout the state through a combination of delivery methods. Often, courses combine live sessions with on-line coursework and classes delivered through interactive television. High-speed internet computer access is recommended since a significant amount of coursework is completed on-line. Skills such as use of the Internet, email, word processing, and knowledge of basic software are required. Students will be trained in using the Blackboard on-line course format throughout the series of courses.
Do I Need to Apply to the Sequence?
Though there is no application process for the sequence, some courses may require instructor permission. Courses have enrollment limits, so we encourage you to enroll early. You should possess a bachelor's degree to enroll in courses offered in the sequence.
You should discuss your program of studies with Judy Kaplan, coordinator of the School Library Media Studies Sequence, 802-233-0880 or send an email.
You may obtain preliminary evaluation of your educational background from the Vermont Department of Education Licensing Office, 802-828-2445 or licensing@doe.state.vt.us. The licensing office website can be found at their website.
For More Information Contact:
Judy Kaplan
Coordinator
School Library Media Studies Sequence
(802) 233-0880
email
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School Library Specialists
Overview: Over the next decade, almost 70 percent of school library media specialists across America are expected to leave their jobs, many due to retirement, according the American Library Association. In addition, fewer people are going into the profession, resulting in more jobs. By 2016, the number of jobs is expected to climb by over 5 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some job growth may be tempered by any economic downturn, as schools make cutbacks and eliminate library positions or cut hours.
Careers: Stricter certification rules, federally mandated standards and test scores and the increased role of technology in classrooms and libraries all have led to major changes in the profession. School library media specialists introduce elementary, middle school and high school students to literature and help them locate and select books and other media. They also help students conduct research via traditional media and the Internet, and they may assist teachers in instructing, developing curricula, acquiring and selecting materials or team-teaching.
Salaries: Library media specialists' salaries are similar to those of teachers, according to the American Library Association. (In Vermont, annual salaries average $46,000 for elementary school teachers, $48,000 for middle school teachers and $49,000 for high school teachers; nationally, average annual salaries are higher.)
UVM's program: The School Library Media Studies Sequence of seven upper-level/graduate courses is designed for both those with and without teacher certification. Non-educators may need additional coursework. The program's curriculum addresses the competencies required by the state of Vermont; however, licensure is not automatic, and graduates' transcripts must be evaluated by the state.
More information: Visit the Web site at http://learn.uvm.edu/?Page=library_media.html, call 800-639-3210 or 656-2085, or email. The sequence's coordinator also may help you decide on your course of study: Contact Judith Kaplan at (802) 233-0880 or by email.
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