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Teacher Librarian

Students choosing to focus their studies in Teacher Librarianship may receive an ALA–accredited MLIS Degree and the NCATE–accredited course work required to obtain the Teacher Librarian Services credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Unlike the other SLIS program specializations, this specialization requires a student take specific courses to be eligible for the Teacher Librarian Services credential from the State of California. The courses are part of a pre–approved course of study from the CTC. Students interested in obtaining the Teacher Librarian Services credential must also send email notification of their intent to Dr. Geoffrey Liu by the end of their 2nd semester at SLIS.

The Teacher Librarian Services credential is a second credential; to be granted this credential a candidate must hold a valid single or multiple subject clear credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Candidates may choose to complete the MLIS and the Teacher Librarianship coursework prior to earning their first credential, but the application process for the Teacher Librarian Services credential cannot be initiated until the first credential is issued by the CTC.

Note: see the MLIS and Teacher Librarianship Student Handbook for required information, processes, and resources for students seeking the MLIS and the Teacher Librarian Services Credential.

What Do Teacher Librarians Do?

Students in this specialization are prepared to manage libraries in all levels of K–12 schools. The jobs for these graduates are found across the spectrum of schools and at the district and state levels. While teacher librarians are often working solo in schools, they may also supervise technicians, assistants, and volunteers in the operation of K–12 libraries.

The teacher librarian impacts K–12 student outcomes by collaborating with teachers, working directly with students, championing reading, provide information–rich learning environments, and advocating for information literacy.

Students will emerge with a specialization in the functions and skills necessary for employment in K–12 schools including collaboration, technology leadership, and program administration.

Employment Options

Careers in teacher librarianship vary from small organizations with a single teacher librarian to complex organizations embedded within larger institutions providing services to thousands of students.

In addition to teacher librarian, typical positions are titled librarian, media specialist, district librarian, library media specialist, or library media teacher.

If they choose to do so, teacher librarians holding the MLIS degree have additional career options outside of K–12.

What Does It Take to be a Teacher Librarian?

The teacher librarian has to:

Be interested in and comfortable with the company of children and teenagers in schools.
Have a passion for teaching and the ability to create information–rich learning environments for students.
Be an advocate for students and libraries and be willing to accept responsibility for the information needs of students.
Be a life–long learner and model the practice of life–long learning by embracing technology and information resources.
Hold a valid teaching credential from the CTC before being awarded the Teacher Librarian Services credential.

Core Theory and Knowledge

The core theory and knowledge encompasses:

The vocabulary of education, libraries and information technology.
Key concepts relating to student outcomes, including service, marketing, budgeting, measurement and evaluation.
The ability to analyze and apply information policy.
The effective use of educational technology.
The ability to communicate with all levels of the organization as well as external stakeholders.
The political process and the impact of federal, state, and local policies on libraries and information organizations.
The ability to plan strategically, balance resources, and implement practical tactics to achieve educational goals.

Required Coursework for the Teacher Librarian Credential

Core Courses:

Program, Curriculum and Technology:

Information Services and Materials Selection:

Elective Courses:

To complete the required 37 units of coursework for the Teacher Librarian Services Credential, students may select one elective course from the list below.

Capstone Course:

LIBR 295: School Library Fieldwork

Required Coursework for the MLIS

To complete the required 43 units of coursework for the MLIS degree, students add two more courses to the 37 units of required coursework for the Teacher Librarian Credential – one more elective course and LIBR 289: Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science.

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