Becoming a school librarian at MSU

MAED in Library Media Program Revision Fall 2016

Libraries are not just for books any more- in fact, they never really have been.

Learning is the focus, in school libraries, especially. Overall, school libraries are about literacy- 21st century literacy.

If your passion isn’t just about Winnie the Pooh and Harry Potter, but also includes wikis and Facebook, if helping kids learn and learn how to learn excites you, then library media is for you.

Nina Hendricks, 1st "graduate" of Rank I Library Media Program, Fall 2005

Librarian + Teacher = School Librarian (AKA Teacher Librarian)

In Kentucky, a school librarian is certified for P-12

How do you become a school librarian through MSU?

Certified candidate track:
If you're already certified as a teacher
See entry requirements
Initial certification track:
If you're not already certified
Requires passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test for Educators (CASE) (or the GRE) before admission
Plus other requirements for entry into teacher education

Certified Candidate Track

9 hours of Professional Education classes
Technology; curriculum development; research
12 hours of required LIB classes
Intro class; Admin; Cat/Class/Collect Mgt; 21st cent. skills; Exit Seminar
3 of 4 Practicum classes
3 LIB-related electives
Learning; curriculum role; children's or YA lit
Portfolio to be completed by end of program
Action research project to be completed by end of program
Pass on Praxis II for Library Media
2nd Master's degree qualifies for Rank I

Photo by
Adrian Thompson from rally in London Oct 29, 2012

Initial Certification

Pass on CASE (or the GRE) before admission to program
Qualify for teacher education incl. 200 hrs field experience
(50 in LIB 600; 50 in each of 3 of the 4 practicum classes)
12 hours of Professional Education classes
Technology; curriculum development; research; literacy
12 hours of required LIB classes
Intro class; Admin; Cat/Class/Collect Mgt; 21st cent. skills; Exit Seminar
2 LIB-related electives
Learning; curriculum role; children's or YA lit
Student teaching: 3 credit hours, 12 weeks
Portfolio to be completed by end of program
Student teaching TPA portfolio
Action research project to be completed by end of program
Pass on Praxis II for Library Specialist & PLT: K-6, 5-9 or 7-12
Contact Dr. Alesa Walker Phone: (270) 809-3768

Alternative certification

Follows Option 6 - University-Based Alternative Route to Certification
- See Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board website
- and 16 KAR 9:080. University-based alternative certification program)
You can only be a candidate for this route if you:
- Have a bachelor's or master's degree; and
- Meet university admission standards
- Have an offer of a position as a school librarian
See Murray State University entry requirements for alternative certification
- Requires a pass on CASE test before admission

Alternative Certification

Pass CASE before admission to program
Must be accepted for a library media position
12 hours of Professional Education classes
Technology; curriculum development; research; literacy
12 hours of required LIB classes
Intro class; Admin; Cat/Class/Collect Mgt;
21st cent. skills; Exit Seminar
2 LIB-related electives
Learning; curriculum role; children's or YA lit
Portfolio to be completed by end of program
Student teaching TPA portfolio
Action research project to be completed by end of program
Pass on Praxis II for Library Specialist & (if not already certified) PLT: K-6, 5-9 or 7-12
Contact Cindy Thresher Phone: (270) 809-3280