School Librarianship

Overview

School Librarianship — MLIS Career Pathway

This pathway prepares students to manage libraries in all levels of K–12 schools. School librarians impact K–12 student outcomes by collaborating with teachers, working directly with students, championing reading, providing information-rich learning environments, and advocating for information literacy. They may also supervise technicians, assistants, and volunteers in the operation of K–12 libraries.

School Librarian with child

Students will specialize in the functions and skills necessary for employment in K-12 schools, including information literacy pedagogy, collaboration, technology leadership, and program administration. 

School librarians typically have both an MLIS degree and a teaching license, so it is recommended that students earn both credentials.

“For someone interested in teacher librarianship no other program matches the quality and value of the SJSU program.”
– MLIS graduate

SJSU is ranked the fourth best public university in the country. This pathway’s courses are taught by professors who work in the field of school librarianship. The iSchool is proud to engage the services of Dr. Keith Curry Lance, the renowned School Librarian researcher. For more information about his research, please visit our School Librarian research page.

The Application Process

IMPORTANT: Current students interested in the School Librarianship career pathway within the MLIS program and/or the CA Teacher Librarian Services Credential program must self-enroll in the Teacher Librarian Credential Advising site in Canvas as early as possible in their course work. This Advising site is open to all current iSchool students.

The requirements to be a school librarian differ considerably by state.

For California
School Library students

Earn/hold a valid single or multiple subject clear teaching credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Earn the Teacher Librarian Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

The application process for the California Teacher Librarian Services Credential cannot be initiated until the CTC issues the first credential.

You may choose to complete the MLIS and the California Teacher Librarian Services Credential coursework before earning your first credential.

For Non-California
School Library Students

Check with your state’s school librarianship licensing requirements.

Contact School Librarian Program Coordinator Jonathan Hunt to discuss pursuing the School Librarianship career pathway and meeting school library licensure requirements in your state.

Ensure our ALA-accredited MLIS degree is accepted by your state’s licensing agency.

 

 

Earn your MLIS degree.

Employment Opportunities

Careers in school librarianship vary from small organizations with a single teacher librarian to complex organizations embedded within larger institutions providing services to thousands of students.

Typical positions are:

  • Titled librarian
  • Media specialist
  • District librarian
  • Library media specialist
  • Teacher librarian
  • Library media teacher
  • And more!

School librarians holding the MLIS degree have additional career options outside of K-12, especially in Youth Services at public libraries.

What Does It Take to be a School Librarian?

The school librarian has to:

  • Be interested in and comfortable with the company of children and teenagers in schools.
  • Have a passion for teaching and the ability to create information–rich learning environments for students.
  • Be an advocate for students and libraries and be willing to accept responsibility for the information needs of students.
  • Be a lifelong learner and model the practice of life–long learning by embracing technology and information resources.
  • Hold a valid teaching credential from the CTC before being awarded the CA Teacher Librarian Services Credential.

Core Theory and Knowledge

  • The vocabulary of education, libraries and information technology.
  • Key concepts relating to student outcomes, including service, marketing, budgeting, measurement and evaluation.
  • The ability to analyze and apply information policy.
  • The effective use of educational technology.
  • The ability to communicate with all levels of the organization as well as external stakeholders.
  • The political process and the impact of federal, state, and local policies on libraries and information organizations.
  • The ability to plan strategically, balance resources, and implement practical tactics to achieve educational goals.

Required Coursework for CA Teacher Librarian Services Credential Candidates

These courses are approved for the California Teacher Librarian Services Credential. If you are interested in a credential from a state other than California, check with that state’s Department of Education for their requirements before undertaking this program.

Core Courses:

​Program Curriculum and Technology:

Information Services and Materials:

Capstone Course:

Required Coursework for the MLIS

Students have the option to complete 12 additional units of coursework to earn an ALA-accredited MLIS degree, expanding their career opportunities in the information professions. Those 12 additional units include nine elective units and the three-unit INFO 289 Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science or INFO 299 Thesis course.

Recommended Elective Courses for the MLIS in support of School Librarianship:

Learn More

  • Contact Jonathan Hunt to discuss pursuing the School Librarianship career pathway and/or the California Teacher Librarian Services Credential.
  • Read Community Profiles of students and alumni pursuing this career pathway.
  • Browse presentations by professionals working in teacher librarianship.
  • Search the Alumni Career Spotlights for alumni working in this field. Consider contacting an alum for an informational interview.

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