MLIS + School Librarianship for Certified Teachers
This pathway is designed for students who are already certified teachers and want to earn their licensure in school librarianship as part of their MLIS degree.
Below is an overview of the curriculum requirements for certified teachers who want to earn School Library Media Certification as part of their MLIS degree. An individual program plan will be developed for each student based on previous coursework, professional licenses, and credentials. In Wisconsin, additional licensure works with Tier II or higher licenses, not ABCTE, sublicenses, or licenses with stipulations.
MLIS Requirements
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 501G | Foundations of Library & Information Science | 3 |
| INFOST 511G | Organization of Information | 3 |
| INFOST 571G | Information Access & Retrieval | 3 |
| INFOST 799 | Research Methods in Information Studies | 3 |
Notes: Coursework must be done at the Graduate (G) level; a grade of B or better is required for each course; 799 is recommended in the final term as the culminating experience.
School Library Media Requirements
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 520G | Managing Library Collections | 3 |
| INFOST 637G | Library Services for Young Children | 1 |
| INFOST 638G | Library Services for School-Aged Children | 1 |
| INFOST 639G | Library Services for Teens | 1 |
| INFOST 611G | Cataloging for Small Libraries | 1 |
| INFOST 640G | Information Literacy Instruction | 3 |
| INFOST 642G | School Library Media Programs & Resources | 3 |
| INFOST 645G | Library Materials for Children | 3 |
| INFOST 646G | Library Materials for Young Adults | 3 |
| INFOST 647G | Now covered in INFOST 637, INFOST 638, INFOST 639 | |
| INFOST 670G | Instructional Technologies | 3 |
Notes: Equivalent coursework and/or professional experience may allow you to waive a class for certification, but might not be considered for transfer credits toward the MLIS degree.
School Library Fieldwork
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFOST 644G | 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.
Requirements
All students must finish a total of 36 graduate credits for the MLIS degree, or a total of 30 credits if they already hold another graduate degree. Any remaining requirements for the certification may be completed at the undergraduate level.
Total Credits: 36
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cohort group?
Each student follows an individualized program plan at their own pace. There is no cohort group.
How many classes should I take each term?
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.
Where can I learn more about the courses?
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).
Our rolling admissions process and flexible start dates allow you to begin the program in fall, spring, or summer term. The priority enrollment deadlines are March 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term. If you are applying after July 1 for the fall term or after December 1 for the spring term, please email Angie Sadowsky at asadowsk@uwm.edu after you complete step one to facilitate the processing of your application.
Certified teachers who want to join our program for the MLIS degree with School Library Media certification should complete the following steps:
Apply to the School of Information Studies at UWM
Visit the UWM Panthera Graduate School Application portal at http://graduateschool-apply.uwm.edu/ to create an account and submit your application. On the application, be sure to select School Librarianship when asked to select a concentration from the drop-down menu.
[Note: if you wish to change or remove the School Librarianship concentration from your program of studies at a later date, you may do so with this form: MLIS Concentration Declaration of Intent Form]
After you are admitted to UWM and have a student ID number, complete the following:
Criminal Background Check
Completion of a specific criminal background check is required for entrance to all UWM K-12 licensure programs. Please upload a PDF of your background check report from Castle Branch, from within the past six months, when you submit the School Library Media Confirmation Form below. View an example background check report here.
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. Concerns about your background check results can be sent to shersh@uwm.edu.
- Please select general admissions if no school library program is listed.
- Complete the online form, set up an account with a password of your choice, and then submit the PDF for the state of WI.
- DO NOT purchase a badge, place a rush order, order a vaccination card, or pay in installments because there will be an additional charge for these services and they are completely unnecessary.
- The total cost, with processing fee, will be $60.
Download Printable Instructions (.pdf) from CastleBranch
School Librarianship Confirmation Form
Once you have been accepted at UWM and have obtained a student ID Number & Castle Branch Report: Please complete the confirmation form below to officially declare your intent to join a School Library Media Licensure pathway.
Hours & Credits
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 the 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 644G 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 (No hours in current role can count towards fieldwork) | 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I complete my fieldwork hours when I am working full-time in a school?
Although it seems daunting, everyone is always successful in creating the schedule they need. Use the fieldwork chart above to see how many hours can be completed in your current role. Hours outside of your role can be completed during August in-service days, professional development days, spring break, release time, 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.
What should I expect to do during my fieldwork?
All fieldwork placements involve finding a mentor, goal-setting, observing and reflecting with your mentor, having your mentor and the university supervisor observe your teaching, journaling, and self-reflection. At your placement, avoid being told or shown in favor of rolling up your sleeves and doing the work. Your placements are a great time to get your questions answered, learn practical skills, and discuss important issues.
How is my fieldwork assessed?
Your site mentor will complete a grading form, an assessment rubric, and an observation of your teaching. Your university supervisor will observe your teaching and evaluate the documents you turn in to the class Canvas site—self-assessment rubrics, journal reflections, etc.
- shersh@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2474
- Northwest Quadrant D 3965
Declaration of Intent
You may declare a concentration at the time of your application to the program or you may use the link below to add or remove the concentration after admission.