Master of Library Science (MLS)

Library Media Specialist (LMS)

The Department of Library and Information Studies has an approved competency-based program registered by the New York State Education Department and is authorized to recommend students for certification for the Library Media Specialist, K-12 Initial Certificate.

Summary of Academic Requirements for Certification:

LMS Certification Required Courses (3 credit hours per course)

• LIS 505 Introduction to Library and Information Studies
• LIS 506 Introduction to Information Technology
• LIS 518 Reference Sources and Services
• LIS 524 School Media Center Field Experience
• LIS 525 School Media Center Practicum¹
• LIS 532 Curriculum Role of the Media Specialist²
• LIS 534 Resources and Services for Children
• LIS 535 Resources and Services for Young Adults
• LIS 568 Computer Applications in the School Library Media Center
• LIS 571 Organization and Control of Recorded Information
• LIS 585 Management of School Library Media Centers
• Two Electives approved by advisor

¹Must have completed the General Pedagogical Core Requirements, LIS 524, LIS 532, LIS 585, and have permission of instructor to enroll.
²Must have completed the General Pedagogical Core Requirements to enroll.

LMS Field Experience (LIS 524): 3 hours

Students complete 50 hours of field experience in elementary and secondary school media centers, including those in high-need schools and those that serve students with special needs. Students are required to document their field experiences and make reflective written responses relating to their observations and participation activities. Attendance is required at two on-campus seminars. This course is to be taken by school library media students during their first 12 credit hours of enrollment.

LMS Practicum (LIS 525): 3 hours

With the approval of the instructor, students are placed in school media centers where the media specialist has been certified for at least three years. Two 20-day practicum experiences, one at the elementary level and one at the secondary, are supervised by a school media specialist and a member of the DLIS faculty. Attendance at two on-campus seminars and the completion of a professional portfolio are required. Students may take this course for 1, 2 or 3 credits per semester, but all three credits must be completed: LIS 525E (elementary practicum); LIS 525S (secondary practicum); and LIS 525P (portfolio).

Prerequisite(s): LIS 524, LIS 532, LIS 585 and the General Pedagogical Core Requirements. Permission of the instructor is required.

Print the three (3) required Independent Study Forms. Have the forms available when meeting with your supervising librarian and faculty member to secure all signatures.

• View all available Practica and Field Experiences pdf
• Libraries interested in offering Field Experience/Practicum for SLMS students, please complete this form.

General Pedagogical Core Requirements: 12 hours (Transcripts required)

• 6 Education Credit Hours in Reading, Writing or Language Arts at Elementary or Secondary Level
• 3 credit hours in Foundations of Education
• 3 credit hours in the Psychology of Learning and Instruction

General Education Core in Liberal Arts and Science: 30 hours (Transcripts required)

The applicant's transcripts will be reviewed and the General Education Core in the Liberal Arts and Sciences form will be completed by the School Library Media advisor. During this process, the applicant's undergraduate coursework will be mapped against the general education core requirements and applicants with any deficiencies will be advised on the additional study necessary to meet these program requirements:

• Artistic Expression (3 credit hours)
• LOTE (3 credit hours)
• Communication (3 credit hours)
• Natural Sciences (3 credit hours)
• Humanities (3 credit hours)
• Mathematics (6 credit hours)
• Writing (3 credit hours)
• History/Social Science (6 credit hours)

Non-academic Requirements for Certification

Child Abuse Seminar

All applicants are required to complete two clock hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment – available through local community colleges, BOCES and hospitals, NYS Office of Teaching Child Abuse Workshop Information. Child Abuse Providers can be found at:
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/ca.htm

Fingerprinting of Applicant

Effective July 1, 2001, the Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Legislation requires the New York State Education Department (SED) to request fingerprinting. A kit is distributed when applying for certification. Information on fingerprinting can be found at:
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ospra/index.html

Schools Against Violence Seminar

All applicants for a certificate on or after February 2, 2001, are required to complete at least two clock hours of course work or training in school violence prevention and intervention available through local community colleges, BOCES and hospitals. See NYS Office of Teaching School Violence Prevention Workshop Information at:
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/save.htm

New York State Teacher Certification Examinations

Candidates seeking an initial NYS teaching certificate as a school library media specialist must take the following tests:

• LAST
• Written Assessment of Teaching Skills (ATS-W, Secondary Exam)
• CST (Content Specialty Test) – Library Media Specialist (all grades)

Test Preparation Guides
Framework for ATS-W (PDF)
NYSTCE Registration Bulletin

Applying for Certification

In order to be recommended by the UB-DLIS for Library Media Specialist certification in New York, you must complete the Student Application Information page at TEACH Online Services, which is available at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/. You will be setting up this account in LIS 525 School Media Practicum.

For more information about applying, contact the GSE Admissions Office.