The best preparation you can have to become a school library media specialist is to complete a master's program in library and information science (M.L.I.S.). Rutgers offers an M.L.I.S. program with a specialization in school library media both on campus in New Brunswick and online. Check the section in our catalog on the M.L.I.S. program for details.
Professional Development Studies offers school library media classes appropriate for people with a variety of career goals:
- People who are pursuing associate school library media specialist certification in the state of New Jersey. Our state-approved program includes 21 credits of coursework in library and information science. In order to qualify for state certification as an associate school library media specialist, you must complete these 21 credits and either be a certified teacher or complete 9 additional education credits.
- Degreed librarians who wish to make a career change to school libraries. If you possess an M.L.I.S. degree and focused on an area other than school library media studies during your program of study, you will need to complete additional coursework to meet the New Jersey requirements for school library media specialist. We can review your academic program and help determine which courses you need to take. Email pds@scils.rutgers.edu or fax your documentation to 732-932-9314; please include a cover letter explaining your situation, a copy of your M.L.I.S. transcript, and a copy of the course descriptions from your M.L.I.S. program. (If you received your M.L.S./M.L.I.S. at Rutgers, you do not need to send us course descriptions.)
- Certified school library media specialists and associate school library media specialists who would like to update their skills and knowledge.
- People enrolled in a school library media program at another educational institution who need to complete a course elsewhere due to scheduling issues. Note that you must receive permission from your adviser in your educational program to be able to transfer credits from Rutgers to your program.
- Nonlibrarians who are contemplating a career in school librarianship and would like to learn more about the field before entering a program.
All of our school library media classes are offered online. See the section on online learning for more information. You must apply and be admitted to Rutgers as a nondegree graduate student to enroll in our associate school library media specialist program or in any of our school library media classes, which means you must have a bachelor's degree.
To qualify for associate school library media specialist certification in the state of New Jersey, you must complete the first seven courses listed below. Note that if you are not a certified teacher or have never taken teacher education classes, you will also have to complete a sequence of three education classes.
School library media studies courses offered:
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Coordination of School Library Media Programs and Services (17:611:510)
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Integrating Your Library Media Program and Your School Curriculum (17:611:511)
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An Educator's Survey of Children's Literature (17:611:547)
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An Educator's Survey of Young Adult Literature (17:611:549)
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Information Sources and Services for Youth (17:611:531)
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Developing User-Centered Educational Media (17:611:513)
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Field Experience (17:611:592)
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Cataloging for School and Small Public Library (17:611:530)
