Male student holding books while working in an elementary school library environment

School librarians are school leaders who facilitate the exploration of technology tools, information literacy and current literature. SOIS offers four distinct pathways for School Library Media Specialist Licensure, WI DPI License #1902.

Pathways for Teachers


MLIS + School Librarianship For Teachers icon
MLIS + School Library Media 1902 License

For students who are certified teachers who want to earn their licensure in school librarianship as part of their MLIS degree.
School Librarianship Undergraduate Certificate Icon
School Library Media
1902 License


For students who are certified teachers who only want the additional licensure in school librarianship. (Post-Bac Certificate)

Pathways for Non-Teachers


MLIS plus School Librarianship Certification icon
MLIS + School Library Media Initial 1902 License

For students who are not certified teachers who want to earn their MLIS degree & initial licensure in school librarianship.
School Librarianship Initial Licensure icon
School Library Media
Initial 1902 License


For students who are not yet certified teachers who want to earn their initial licensure in school librarianship (Post-Bac Certificate)

MLIS Degree or Certification Only Pathway

Because classes taken on the certification-only pathway will not count towards a master’s degree, students should decide which pathway to pursue before they begin their program.

Declaring a Public Library or School Library Concentration

Concentrations are transcript designated and can provide structure for utilizing 15 credits of electives in specific areas of librarianship.

Fully Online Program

Our program serves students within Wisconsin, across all 50 states, and around the globe. 

Questions? Contact us!

Prospective Students

Prospective students with questions about admissions or scholarships should contact SOIS Academic Advisor Angie Sadowsky

Angela Sadowsky
Senior Advisor
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Current Students

Current students with questions about the program, fieldwork or licensing should contact School Library Media Coordinator Susan Hersh

Susan Hersh
Senior Lecturer / School Library Media Coordinator
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