Licensure Only, Library Media Studies

This program is designed for those students who hold a master’s degree and want to become certified as a Library Teacher All Levels. Our goal is to prepare our students to become innovative and creative school librarians by introducing best practices, new ideas in the field, and avenues for pursuing excellence. Resources for knowledge acquisition, literature K-12, information literacy, management of the school library, and library design are just a few of the topics covered in our courses.

The online, asynchronous format of the program allows students the flexibility to take courses when they can without travel hardships. Instructors in the program are recognized throughout Massachusetts and the United States as leaders in the field of school librarianship.

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Program Requirements

Program Overview

A librarian helps teenage students at computers in a library

Licensure Only Library Media Studies Curriculum

Our targeted 15-27-credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to be School Library Teachers. The curriculum for the Library Studies Program includes 7 courses in Library Science, and a semester-long supervised practicum and seminar. Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken prior to admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of credits in the program. The total required depends on a competency coverage review by the program coordinator.

Looking for a Master of Education in Library Media Studies?

This program is designed for educators who already hold a master's degree. Salem State also offers a Master of Education in Library Media Studies.

Library Teacher Licensure

We offer the opportunity to obtain your initial license as a Library Teacher All Levels through endorsement by Salem State University’s Accreditation Office. Upon completing the program and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional license. This means that graduates of our program can complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework.

Library Media Studies Licensure Only Course Schedule

The library media studies licensure-only program is completely online. Required courses are offered on a rotating schedule. The library media studies licensure-only program can be completed either full-time or part-time as is best determined by the student and the timing of courses taken. After students are admitted to the program, a meeting with the program coordinator will help define the plan of study and completion date, setting the student on a path to success. Of course, all plans of study are flexible as life changes occur.

Fieldwork Requirements

To complete the library media studies program, 75 observation hours are required through three courses: LBS 730, LBS 750, and LBS 815.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar (if required):

There are 300 required practicum hours through the Practicum course LBS 900 N. A Practicum Seminar, LBS 900 PS, taken in conjunction with the practicum course, is also required.

Careers

School library jobs remain unfilled due to the lack of certified and qualified candidates. The field of school librarianship always needs new and energetic candidates to help our school-aged children be successful in school and in life. Graduates of our program have a high employment rate and many have more than one job option.

Many who hold professional Library Teacher licenses in Massachusetts have successfully obtained licensure in other states.

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