School Librarianship Resources

Master of Library & Information Science

• Allows for the most job & career opportunities, including leadership roles in public librarianship
• Rigorous graduate coursework provides strong background in librarianship
• Graduate degree often leads to a larger salary
• Tuition = $800 per online graduate credit

School Librarianship Certificate Only

• Focus on K-12 environment – may limit futuer job, career and salary opportunities
• Courses taken alongside MLIS students, providing strong background in librarianship
• Four fewer classes than the MLIS degree program
• Tuition = approx. $400 per online UG credit

School Librarianship Concentration

• Good match for people who have recent experience working in K-12 schools as a teacher, volunteer, aide, or librarian on a provisional license to know that the role is the right fit
• Allows for work in ALL public and private schools, as well as youth services positions in a public library
• Gives the strongest background for working with K-12 students
• Credit counts towards the WI #1902 licensure and/or other states’ certification requirement

Public Library Concentration

• May allow for work in some private schools
• Broader range of topics in coursework
• Keeps the door open to return in our certification-only program to complete the additional requirements to get the school library license in the future

Fully Online Program

• All courses are offered online asynchronously, with no on-campus requirement
• Students should plan to complete fieldwork in their own local school districts near the end of their program of study
• SOIS tuition for online courses is set as fee-in-lieu of, which means students are charged a flat tuition rate regardless of residency ($800 per graduate credit, $400 per UG credit)

Financial Resources

There are many funding opportunities available to students pursuing School Library Media Certification.

SOIS Funding for School Librarians

Through the generous support of alumni, faculty, and friends, the School of Information Studies offers funding support awarded for both academic achievement and financial need to eligible students entering or enrolled in our academic programs.

For a complete list of funding options and a link to the Panther Scholarship Portal – your resource for all UWM scholarships- please visit: https://uwm.edu/informationstudies/students/scholarships-tuition-and-fees/

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Wisconsin DPI Loan Forgiveness

Loan Forgiveness Program
Because School Library Media has been identified by the State of Wisconsin as a teacher shortage area, students may be eligible for student loan cancellation, depending on the type of loan obtained. Additionally, students serving in a low-income school may be granted loan forgiveness for a wider range of loan types.

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Lowell Wilson Scholarship (WEMTA)

The Lowell Wilson Scholarship encourages strong leaders to gain the certification required for serving as Library Media and Instructional Technology Specialists in our schools. This scholarship(s) provides funding to cover tuition costs for graduate-level coursework leading to licensure.

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ALA and AASL National Scholarships

National scholarships are available through ALA and AASL for school librarians and paraprofessionals. Learn more:

ALA Scholarships

AASL Scholarships

The majority of our students are already employed in school libraries. For roles in Wisconsin, visit WECAN to see job postings in your area. Use the search term ‘library’ – https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/

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Consider joining our professional organization! Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association https://www.wemtaonline.org/ – professional information, licensure details, job seeking, as well as related links

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The American Association of School Librarians is a division of ALA where you can find support and professional resources: https://www.ala.org/aasl/

Out-of-State Certification

Certification requirements vary widely across all 50 states. Our programs lead to school library media certification in Wisconsin, which might be accepted in your state. School Library Connection maintains a list of states’ requirements for licensure. Be sure to check with your state’s Department of Public Instruction to confirm their current requirements, and current exceptions, for school library certification.

If you’re already a certified teacher:
By earning your MLIS degree and completing the requirements for WI certification, you will likely be able to be certified in your state. Please check with your state’s licensing organization.

If you are not already a certified teacher:
Check with your state’s licensing organization. Several states, like AZ and LA, will allow you to work in a school library based on an MLIS degree alone. Other states may or may not accept our initial licensure in school librarianship program for certification to work in a school library.

Please see this chart of licensure reciprocity