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School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

If you are an educator looking to change your focus to school libraries, look no further than the School Library Media Licensure program. This licensure program is designed to give you practical skills and hands-on experience to prepare you for librarian positions in public, private and charter schools, as well as special libraries and other information agencies.

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Non-degree Certificate in School Library Media Licensure

Kent State University’s Non-degree Certificate in School Library Media Licensure is designed for individuals seeking to become licensed school librarians and media specialists without pursuing a full degree. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage school libraries, promote literacy, integrate technology, and support K-12 educational programs. It focuses on resource management, information literacy, and fostering student engagement with learning materials in both digital and traditional formats.

Program Information for School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

Program Description

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The School Library Media Licensure non-degree program is intended for students who already hold a teaching license and are interested in working in school libraries. The curriculum comprises coursework in library science, educational technology, management, cataloging and literature. A required practicum provides students the opportunity to apply principles learned in graduate study to real-world experiences and to network with professionals in the field.

This program is one of the three pathways available at Kent State University for students who are interested in obtaining multi-age licensure in school library media through the Ohio Department of Education. The other two pathways are the M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12 and the dual M.L.I.S. degree with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale 1
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Current résumé or curriculum vita
  • Student Profile Form
  • Application essay
  • Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score
1

In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master's) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: April 15
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: November 15
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: March 15

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

  1. Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice in a school library context.
  2. Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the school librarianship field.
  3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians and the educational environments they work in within the global society.
  4. Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a school librarianship context.
  5. Identify needs and connect K-12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Coursework

Program Requirements
Licensure Requirements
LIS 60607SCHOOL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT 3
LIS 60617INFORMATION LITERACY FOR YOUTH 3
LIS 60624CATALOGING FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES 3
LIS 60626ENGAGING TEENS 3
LIS 60629ENGAGING SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN 3
LIS 60630REFERENCE SOURCES AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH 3
LIS 60792CULMINATING EXPERIENCE PRACTICUM IN K-12 LIBRARIES 3
School Library Media Electives, choose from the following:6
ETEC 57400
TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
ETEC 57427
TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING
ETEC 67420
RESEARCH ISSUES IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
ETEC 67425
MANAGING TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
LIS 60675
YOUTH LITERATURE IN THE DIGITAL REALM
Minimum Total Credit Hours:27

Licensure Information

In Ohio, an individual must have attained a currently valid standard Ohio teaching license in order to add the multi-age supplemental library media licensure as an endorsement area. Out of state applicants should verify licensure reciprocity and library media licensure requirements with their state education agencies. Students are responsible for completing licensure paperwork requirements through the Kent State University College of Education, Health and Human Services near the end of or at the conclusion of the program. Exam administered by the Evaluations Systems Group of Pearson is required for licensure.

Applicants interested in obtaining school library media licensure or certification outside the state of Ohio should refer to the requirements established by their state education agencies.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online

Accreditation for School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

Accreditation

The School Library Media Licensure non-degree program is accredited by the American Library Association and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for School Library Media Licensure - Non-Degree

Graduates of Kent State University’s Non-degree Certificate in School Library Media Licensure can pursue roles as school librarians and media specialists in K-12 settings. They may also work as instructional resource coordinators or technology integration specialists, helping schools implement digital resources and support classroom learning. This certificate qualifies individuals to lead school library programs, enhance student access to information, and contribute to the educational success of students.

Librarians and media collections specialists

5.0%

faster than the average

146,500

number of jobs

$60,820

potential earnings

Educational instruction and library workers, all other

4.4%

about as fast as the average

141,400

number of jobs

$41,570

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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