School Librarianship (Initial)
This pathway is for students who are not yet certified teachers who want to earn their initial licensure in school librarianship. This is a Post-Baccalaureate certificate.
Below is an overview of the requirements for earning an initial licensure in school library media. This pathway is for students who are not already certified teachers. An individual program plan will be developed for each student based on previous coursework, professional experience, and other credentials.
School Library Media Requirements
| 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.
Initial Teaching License Requirements
| 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 640 | Human Development: Theory & Research | 3 |
| EDPSYCH 600 | Survey of Exceptional Education | 3 |
| WORKSHOP | Seminar on ACT 31 – History, Culture & Sovereignty Rights of Wisconsin Indians | No Credit |
School Library Fieldwork
| 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 tab 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.
Requirements
Total Credits: 41
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).
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.
To join the MLIS degree with the School Library Media certification program complete 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 instruction 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:
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.
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 |
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.
- shersh@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2474
- Northwest Quadrant D 3965
