School Librarian Program

Currently there are many openings in school librarianship not only in Kentucky, but also throughout the nation. Requirements for certification vary from state to state, but may normally be met within the MSLS curriculum of the School of Library and Information Science.

All students seeking certification in school librarianship at the University of Kentucky need to hold a valid teaching certificate or a Teacher Internship Statement of Eligibility or its equivalent. A copy of the teaching certificate or Teacher Internship Statement of Eligibility must be submitted to the School when applying for admission. Photocopies are accepted.

All other students need to enter the master's degree program and meet all of the requirements of the program. A master's degree must be completed for initial school librarian certification. Applicants who have not completed the internship year in Kentucky or have not had more than two years of teaching experience in another state follow the New Teacher program of study. Applicants holding a valid teaching certificate from Kentucky or a valid teaching certificate from another state (plus more than two years of teaching experience) follow the Experienced Teacher program of study.

Applicants who are already certified school librarian specialists, but do not hold a MLS degree from an ALA accredited school, follow the Certified School Media Librarian Advancing to Rank II or the Certified School Media Librarian Advancing to Rank I program of study.

All programs require the completion of a portfolio. The "New Teacher" and "Experienced Teacher" programs require a practicum as well.