Designed for licensed teachers, the School Library Certificate expands your credentials with training in collaborative instruction, technology integration, student inquiry, youth literature, and library program management, preparing you to lead dynamic PK–12 library programs. This program can be completed entirely online.
Preserve the library sciences
At a glance
Format
Online
Start dates
Fall or Spring
What you'll learn
The certificate program will equip you to collaborate effectively in instructional design, delivery, and assessment while integrating technology to enhance learning. You will develop skills in fostering student inquiry, applying 21st-century skills and processes, and managing collection development and library programs. Additionally, you’ll gain expertise in basic resource and integrated library system (ILS) management, understand PK-12 youth literature, and build your ability to advocate for and lead within educational settings.
6courses
16credits
$503cost per credit hour in 2025-26
Admission requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited four-year collegiate institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or it’s equivalent with relevant graduate coursework
Application deadlines
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 1
Certificate requirements
Training includes five core courses and one specialized course for a total of 16 credit hours. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.00, with a grade of a B- or better in all individual coursework.
The commonly listed per-requisites, LIS-S 500 & LIS-S 507, are not requirements for school library certificate students.
Core courses
- LIS-S 502 Acquisitions and Management of Knowledge and Information (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 571 Materials for Youth (2 cr.) or LIS-S 672 Seminar on Literature for Youth (2 cr.)
- LIS-S 603 Workshop in Cataloging for School Librarians (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 604 Topics in Library & Information Science (Inquiry and Innovation) (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 671 School Library Management (3 cr.)
Recommended electives
Choose one:
- LIS-S 557 Marketing for Libraries (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 571 Materials for Youth (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 573 Education of Information Users (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 577 Designing for Informal Learning Environments (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 578 Facilitating Learning with Technology (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 591 Grant Writing (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 603 Workshop in Library and Information Science (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 621 Audio and Video Sources (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 640 Seminar in Intellectual Freedom (3 cr.)
- LIS-S 672 Seminar on Literature for Youth (3 cr.)