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

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

School Library Media – Initial 1902 License

For students who are not yet certified teachers who want to earn their MLIS degree and 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)

Questions? Contact us!

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
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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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MLIS or Certification Only

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

School or Public Library Concentration

For students who are earning an MLIS degree, we recommend declaring a School Library Concentration as soon as possible. Click here to see a video discussion of school vs. public library concentrations and click here to see a summary chart of the main points.

Onsite & Online Options

Our program serves students across Wisconsin, out of state and around the globe. All of the courses are offered completely online and asynchronously, and fieldwork placement can be in your local area.