School Library Media Specialist

The University of Vermont offers graduate educational opportunities for those interested in school library media studies to gain licensure in Vermont or to acquire a graduate degree in school library media.

School Libraries in the Digital Age: Dynamic Hubs for Learning

The contemporary school library is designed as a space to transform learning and to encourage learners to “Think, Create, Share, and Grow.” Not only is it a physical space with resources in many formats, but it is also a 24/7 virtual space with access to databases, reading recommendations, and project and homework help for all learners-students, educators, and parents. Small groups and large groups of students vie for space to collaborate and create amazing products to share their learning.  And you will see a school librarian who is orchestrating multiple activities at once-answering questions, providing instruction, collaborating with colleagues, chatting about books with readers, and troubleshooting a laptop malfunction.

School Librarians, also known as school library media specialists, are educational leaders and resource specialists in pre-K-12 schools who collaborate with other educators to provide equitable access to resources and information for all learners. Educational training for this profession requires knowledge, skills, and understanding about the intersection of teaching and learning and principles of librarianship that impact successful school library programs.

Sounds exciting-how can I become a school librarian/media specialist?

The UVM School Library Media Sequence reflects current standards for school librarianship as described by the American Association for School Librarians (AASL, 2019), the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and Vermont Standards for Educators.

The School Library Media Studies Sequence of six graduate-level courses is designed for both those with and without teacher certification. Non-educators may need additional coursework. The curriculum addresses the essential competencies for School Library Media Specialists required by the State of Vermont, as listed within the Educator Licensing website, but licensure is not automatic.

Courses in the sequence are delivered using a combination of asynchronous online work, and opportunities to engage in a professional learning community through synchronous sessions during the semester.

Specialization Description

The basic goal of the UVM school librarian preparation program is clear: to prepare candidates for service and leadership as school librarians serving P-12 students. The program addresses the philosophy, principles and ethics of the field through five standards.

Standard 1: The Learner and Learning
Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are effective educators who demonstrate an awareness of learners’ development. Candidates promote cultural competence and respect for inclusiveness. Candidates integrate the National School Library Standards considering learner development, diversity, and differences while fostering a positive learning environment. Candidates impact student learning so that all learners are prepared for college, career, and life.

Standard 2: Planning for Instruction
Candidates in school library preparation programs collaborate with the learning community to strategically plan, deliver, and assess instruction. Candidates design culturally responsive learning experiences using a variety of instructional strategies and assessments that measure the impact on student learning. Candidates guide learners to reflect on their learning growth and their ethical use of information. Candidates use data and information to reflect on and revise the effectiveness of their instruction.

Standard 3: Knowledge and Application of Content
Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are knowledgeable in literature, digital and information literacies, and current instructional technologies. Candidates use their pedagogical skills to actively engage learners in the critical-thinking and inquiry process. Candidates use a variety of strategies to foster the development of ethical digital citizens and motivated readers.

Standard 4: Organization and Access
Candidates in school librarian preparation programs model, facilitate, and advocate for equitable access to and the ethical use of resources in a variety of formats. Candidates demonstrate their ability to develop, curate, organize, and manage a collection of resources to assert their commitment to the diverse needs and interests of the global society. Candidates make effective use of data and other forms of evidence to evaluate and inform decisions about library policies, resources, and services.

Standard 5: Leadership, Advocacy, and Professional Responsibility
Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are actively engaged in leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and professional networking. Candidates participate in and lead ongoing professional learning. Candidates advocate for effective school libraries to benefit all learners. Candidates conduct themselves according to the ethical principles of the library and information profession.

(ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards 2019)

In addition to coursework, candidates enrolling in the UVM School Library Studies Sequence have opportunities to extend their learning through performance tasks and projects embedded in coursework that apply theory to authentic practice in the field.

Those opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Field experiences: Candidates visit and evaluate various physical and virtual school libraries to reflect on models for best practice.

Practicum experiences: Requirements for the School Librarian endorsement (Vermont Educator #61) practicum are supported through established mentor relationships for novice school librarians, and guidance for the transcript review process.

Leadership/service opportunities:  Candidates design and lead professional learning for colleagues, and other members of the educational community in face-to-face or virtual environments.

Professional Organizations and networks:  Candidates develop professional learning networks that include national and state school libraries, technology, and other educational organizations that support learners with resources for curriculum and educational practice in a globally connected world.

Research opportunities:  Candidates use an inquiry process and reflective practice to explore current issues in education and school library practice. Findings and resources that support conclusions may be published or shared through social media or other appropriate venues.

Foundational Principles of Librarianship:  Candidates advocate for Intellectual Freedom, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity as foundational to effective school library programs for all learners.

All the courses in the sequence are upper-level/graduate courses and are embedded in a strand of the UVM Master of Education Program. For those who may want to pursue an advanced degree, the courses can be combined with other education courses that will lead to the MEd. Contact the UVM College of Education and Social Services for more information.

Contact information:
Email: crclmins@uvm.edu
Phone: 802.656.1410

Licensing for School Library Media Specialists

This series of courses (online asynchronous/synchronous) allows you to gain licensure as a school librarian/media specialist. The content of the coursework addresses the essential competencies required by the State of Vermont. Upon successful completion of the two-year series, qualified individuals may request a Transcript Review by the Vermont Agency of Education.

While the sequence originated with practicing educators in mind, it is by no means aimed exclusively at teachers. For those who need to gain particular competencies, individual courses may be taken.  For those seeking to change careers, the school librarian endorsement also has an option for non-educators to enter the profession through Transcript Review for Initial Certification.

All participants are encouraged to review the requirements for Vermont Educator Licensure through Transcript Review. For questions email the Licensing Helpline or call (802) 828-3440. The Licensing Office is staffed remotely Monday through Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm.

Program of Study

First Year of Sequence

EDLI 372
Managing and Leading School Library Media Centers (FALL)

This course examines foundational principles and issues of school librarianship, such as intellectual freedom, equity, and access. Candidates will prepare for organizing and operating a school library media center, with emphasis on leadership and advocacy for planning, policy and procedure development, facility design, personnel administration, and program evaluation.

EDLI 373
Developing and Organizing School Library Media Center Collections (SPRING)

Explore fundamental concepts for developing and organizing School Library Media Center collections in this course. Equity of access to information resources is a guiding principle that drives collection development, and emphasis is placed on evaluation, selection, and acquisition of resources appropriate for students, staff, and other patrons in contemporary schools in both physical and virtual environments.

EDLI 377
Information Technologies for School Library Media Centers (SUMMER)

This course explores the planning, instructional use, and management of technology in the contemporary school library media center. Learners will develop competence and confidence in teaching with and using technology. This course explores the ways that technology can support readers, provide access to resources, create community, and give students authentic outlets to communicate their ideas beyond school walls.  Course participants will also examine ways to design instruction to teach and promote digital citizenship and media literacy skills.

Second Year of Sequence

EDLI 376
Information Sources and Services for School Library Media Centers (FALL)

This course focuses on the teacher librarian’s role in the information landscape.  Information Sources and Services addresses:  research strategies, search tools, information curation, teaching, and evaluation with multimedia digital reference resources to meet the needs of a diverse learning community. There will be an emphasis on virtual library learning spaces which is critical in an anytime, anywhere learning environment.

EDLI 374
Designing Learning in School Library Media Centers (SPRING)

This course is designed to explore theories and best practices for teaching and learning in today’s school libraries. School Librarians are educators who demonstrate knowledge of learners and learning. They model and promote collaborative planning and assessment, instruction in multiple literacies, and inquiry-based learning which enables members of the learning community to become effective users and creators of ideas and information. School Librarians design and implement instruction that engages students’ interests and develops their ability to inquire, think creatively and critically, build citizenship skills, and gain and share knowledge in a proficiency-based, personalized learning environment.

EDLI 371
Children’s and Young Adult Literature  (SUMMER)

Effective school librarians promote reading for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment. This course is designed as a survey of the context and merit of children’s (CH) and young adult (YA) literature, that is, books written for and read by readers from ages Pre K-Grade 12. The course will examine major trends in children’s and young adult literature, and current issues in the selection of reading materials in multiple formats to support reading for information, reading for pleasure, and reading for lifelong learning.   The course also includes a focus on best practices in reading and literacy instruction that enhances opportunities to meet the diverse interests and abilities of all readers.

Tuition

Tuition rates for the academic year are published online each semester on the Student Financial Services website.

Learn More Or Register

To learn more or register for Library Media courses, please visit the UVM Professional and Continuing Education website.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact us at crclmins@uvm.edu or 802-656-1410 to learn more about the program and each course.

UVM GRADUATE COLLEGE

For prospective graduate students seeking application information, please visit the Graduate College website.