School Librarianship With Initial Licensure, Online Undergraduate Certificate
Are you passionate about becoming a school librarian but don’t hold a teaching license? The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s online school librarianship undergraduate certificate offers a pathway for you. Created for individuals who are not yet certified teachers who want to earn their initial licensure in school librarianship.
Learn how to successfully foster student literacy, new technology use, student programs and more to enhance student success.
Start Dates: Fall, Spring or Summer
Cost per Credit: $392 UG*
Credit Hours: 41
*Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.M.
Program Type
Undergraduate Certificate
Program Format
Online
Why Study School Librarianship at UWM?
- Earn your initial licensure in School Library Media.
- Take 100% online courses with experienced faculty and practitioners who teach both in-person and online classes.
UWM offers a variety of financial aid options to help fund your school librarianship concentration. Learn more about payment plans, private loans, scholarship awards and more.
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 concentration 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.
Students 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.
The online school librarianship concentration for those who are not yet certified teachers requires 41 credits. This includes school library media coursework and initial teaching license requirements.
As a non-certified teacher, you’ll work with your advisor to customize your coursework based on your previous education.
Courses
Requirements – Total Credits: 41
| 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.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CURRINS 545 | Reading in the Content Areas: Middle, Junior & Senior HS | 3 |
| INFOST 630 | Strategies for Managing Group Learning & Assessment in Libraries | 3 |
| EDPSYCH 600 | Survey of Exceptional Education | 3 |
| EDPSYCH 640 | Human Development: Theory & Research | 3 |
| WORKSHOP | Seminar on ACT 31 – History, Culture & Sovereignty Rights of Wisconsin Indians | No Credit |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 643 U/G | Pre-student Teaching Experience in School Libraries | 2 |
| INFOST 543 | Student Teaching Experience in School Libraries | 6 |
Notes: See the fieldwork info below for further information. Some students may need to take 3 credits of pre-student teaching, and most students will complete the full semester of student teaching while 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.
The requirements for number of hours depend on your current role in a library. Credits for 643 U/G can be split across semesters. Ideally, fieldwork will take place in your final semester(s). See the chart below.
| INFOST 643 U/G Pre-student Teaching Experience in School Libraries | 2 credits/100 hours Hours split between: -50 hours K-5 not in your current role -50 hours 6-12 not in your current role | 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 |
| INFOST 543 Full Semester of Student Teaching | 6 credits –full time/full semester 100% in role – Completed for the full semester in the K-12 school where you are currently working | 6 credits –full time/full semester Time split: -Half semester at the K-5 level -Half semester at the 6-12 level |
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).
Graduates of UWM’s online school librarianship undergraduate certificate will become eligible for initial licensure and will be able to take on roles in school libraries or as school library media specialists in K-12 settings. With initial licensure from the program, you’ll be ready to support students’ growth across subjects. You’ll also work with fellow teachers, host library sessions, facilitate new programs and manage library operations, like the book collection.
- shersh@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2474
- Northwest Quadrant D 3965
