School Librarianship for Certified Teachers, Online Undergraduate Certificate
Take your teaching career a step further. Become a leader in school libraries through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the School of Information Studies’ online school librarianship undergraduate certificate for certified teachers.
The school librarianship pathway is designed for individuals who are already certified teachers and who want to earn the additional licensure in school librarianship. You’ll learn to integrate technology, literacy and information management in K-12 school libraries.
Start Dates: Fall, Spring or Summer
Cost per Credit: $392 (Total Cost: $9,408*)
Credit Hours: 24
*Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.
Program Type
Undergraduate Certificate
Program Format
Online
Why Study School Librarianship at UWM?
- Become eligible for School Library Media Specialist Licensure (WI DPI License #1902).
- Use your teaching background and professional credentials to expand your role in an educational setting.
- Learn from faculty and practitioners who teach both in-person and online.
UWM’s Office of Student Financial Assistance can assist you with finding and applying for financial aid or scholarships you may be eligible for as a certified teacher.
Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing. Explore the Panther Scholarship Portal regularly as you make progress on your certificate.
Our rolling admissions process allows you to start the school librarianship for teachers in the fall, spring or summer. Priority deadlines are March 1 for the fall and Nov. 1 for the spring. If you apply after July 1 for the fall term or after Dec. 1 for the spring term, please email Angie Sadowsky after you submit your application to facilitate the processing of your materials.
Certified teachers can join the school librarianship undergraduate certificate program by completing the following steps:
Apply to the School of Information Studies at UWM
Visit the UW System undergraduate application portal at https://apply.wisconsin.edu/ to create an account and submit your application.
This portal is for the entire UW System. Use the required application instructions document below to ensure that your file is routed directly to our program.
After you are admitted to UWM and have a student ID number, complete the following:
Complete a Criminal Background Check
The completion of a specific criminal background check is required for entrance to all UWM K-12 licensure programs. The CBC must be completed via the below process within six months of an admissions decision; the cost is $50.00.
UWM uses Viewpoint Screening to process our admission CBCs. To proceed with the Viewpoint CBC, please follow the link to the UWM portal: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/uwm
- Directions for completing the background check can be found here
- Find your program under ‘School of Education’
- If you have questions about the process, use the customer service chat feature in the portal
Note: Failure to fully disclose criminal background information and/or submission of false information may constitute grounds for denial of admission or removal from the program. Background check results will not necessarily determine denial of admission to our program, but your criminal history may lead school districts to disqualify you from field placements. Email Susan Hersh with concerns about your background check results.
Submit the School Librarianship Confirmation Form
Once you have received your background check report, please complete the School Librarianship Confirmation Form to officially declare your intent to join a School Library Media Licensure pathway.
Below is an overview of the curriculum requirements for certified teachers who want to earn School Library Media Certification without the MLIS degree. An individual program plan will be developed for each student based on previous coursework, professional licenses, and credentials. Note: In Wisconsin, additional licensure works with Tier II or higher licenses, not ABCTE, sublicenses or licenses with stipulations.
Courses
Requirements – Total Credits: 24
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 520 | Managing Library Collections | 3 |
| INFOST 637 | Library Services for Young Children | 1 |
| INFOST 638 | Library Services for School-Aged Children | 1 |
| INFOST 639 | Library Services for Teens | 1 |
| INFOST 640 | Information Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| INFOST 642 | School Library Media Programs & Resources | 3 |
| INFOST 645 | Library Materials for Children | 3 |
| INFOST 646 | Library Materials for Young Adults | 3 |
| INFOST 647 | Now covered in INFOST 637, INFOST 638, INFOST 639 | |
| INFOST 670 | Instructional Technologies | 3 |
| INFOST 611 or ALA Workshop | Cataloging for School Libraries or ALA Workshop | 1 Credit or No Credit |
Notes: Equivalent coursework and/or professional experience may allow you to waive a class for certification, not considered to be transfer credits.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 644 | Clinical Experience in School Libraries | 2 |
Notes: See the fieldwork tab for further information. Some students may need to take 3 credits of fieldwork, and some hours may be completed on the job.
Fieldwork
Supervised fieldwork is required of ALL candidates for the 1902 license. Students must complete their fieldwork under the mentorship of a School Library Media Specialist who has a WI 1902 license (or equivalent) and three years of experience at the site, when possible.
The requirements for number of hours depend on your current role in a library. These credits can be split across semesters. Ideally, fieldwork will take place in your final semester. Please the chart below.
| Required Course | Hired as a school librarian | Hired as a school library aide | Not working in a school library |
|---|---|---|---|
| INFOST 644 Clinical Experience in School Libraries | 2 credits/100 hours Hours split between: -50 hours in role -50 hours at other level | 2 credits/100 hours Hours split between: -50 hours at current level -50 hours at other level | 3 credits/150 hours Hours split between: -50 hours at the K-5 level -50 hours at the 6-8 level -50 hours at the 9-12 level |
who has a WI 1902 license (or equivalent) and three years of experience at the site, when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although it may seem daunting, you’ll be able to create a schedule that fits your needs. Use the fieldwork chart above to see how many hours you can complete in your current position. You can finish hours outside of your role during August in-service days, professional development days, spring break and release time, or by starting early or staying late. Additionally, you may count 10 hours of professional development time at SLATE in the fall or WEMTA in the spring.
All fieldwork placements involve finding a mentor, setting goals, journaling and reflecting. Your mentor and the university supervisor will observe you during your placement and provide applicable feedback. At your placement, avoid just being told or shown different tasks — it is essential to participate in practical, hands-on learning. Your fieldwork placements are a great opportunity to get your questions answered, gain practical skills and discuss important issues.
Your site mentor will complete a grading form, an assessment rubric and an observation of your work. Your university supervisor will also observe your teaching and evaluate the documents you turn in to the class Canvas site, including self-assessment rubrics, journal reflections and more.
Each student follows an individualized program plan at their own pace. There is no cohort group.
Our students take anywhere from 1-3 classes each term. Plan to spend about 10 hours a week on each 3-credit class. Courses in the summer are condensed and require more hours per week.
See this link for sample course syllabi and visit this link for the current class schedule. Classes are listed under INFOST.
Courses are offered online, asynchronously through Canvas and most of them are offered several times a year (fall, spring and/or summer).
By completing UWM’s online school librarianship concentration for teachers, you’ll advance your role to school librarian or school library media specialist. Prepare to manage book collections that meet the needs of your students, collaborate with educators to develop resources, teach courses or lead sessions in the library, and oversee the library’s day-to-day operations. Graduates of the program find careers in public and private K-12 schools, education centers and school districts.
- shersh@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2474
- Northwest Quadrant D 3965
