School library

The school library media (SLM) program is selected by students who wish to work with young people in school libraries of public and private K-12 institutions. SLM program at Catholic University offers three choices: (1) Master's in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) specialized in SLM, (2) non-degree program for school librarian license only, and (3) non-degree program for professional development.

SLM program resides in the Library and Information Science (LIS) program, accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The program is also state approved by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Those who have completed the SLM program are eligible for a license/endorsement in DC and — through a reciprocity agreement — in other states and jurisdictions including Virginia and Maryland. 

Besides face-to-face courses, the department offers a completely online program for the SLM course of study and a variety of courses that focus on school library media services. Each student is required to take the four required core courses along with appropriate mid-level and advanced courses.

Note that very specific requirements must be fulfilled in order to receive the state-issued certificate, which is required to work in public school libraries. Because of this, it is vitally important that students pursuing this program of study stay in close contact with the SLM advisor to ensure that their course work will fulfill state requirements.

Required core courses for all students are:

  • LSC 551 Organization of Information
  • LSC 553 Information Sources and Services
  • LSC 555 Information Systems in Libraries and Information Centers
  • LSC 557 The Information Professions in Society

Students interested in receiving the school library certification are required to take the following electives:

  • LSC 606: Cataloging and Classification
  • LSC 641: Collection Development and Management
  • LSC 731: Media Integration in the Curriculum
  • LSC 752: Design and Production of Multimedia
  • LSC 848: Media for Children
  • LSC 849: Media for Young Adults
  • LSC 872: Administration of School Library Media Programs
  • LSC 695B: School Library Media Practicum
LSC695B School Library Media Practicum provides a unique opportunity for students interested in a career in K-12 librarianship to gain professional experience in a school library. In order to arrange practicum sites, contact the Practicum Coordinator at least the semester before the Practicum is to be completed. For more information about this specialized practicum, please visit the School Library Media Practicum site.

Below is an example of possible course plans with course format options. You can modify your course plan depending on needed courses, preferred course format, the number of courses to be taken per semester. Students can start the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester. Courses with an asterisk mark (*) are offered in another semester in a face-to-face format. Refer to the two-year plan under the Course Schedules webpage. 

Semester

Courses

1st Fall

LSC551: Organization of Information* (online or face-to-face)

LSC557: The Information Professions in Society* (online or face-to-face)

1st Spring

LSC553: Information Sources and Services* (online or face-to-face)

LSC555: Information Systems in Libraries and Information Centers* (online or face-to-face)

1st Summer

LSC641: Collection Development and Management* (online)

LSC848: Media for Children (online)

2nd Fall

LSC606: Cataloging and Classification* (online)

LSC731: Media Integration in the Curriculum (online)

2nd Spring

LSC872: Administration of School Library Media Programs (online)

LSC695B: School Library Media Practicum (on site)

2nd Summer

LSC752: Design and Production of Multimedia (online)

LSC849: Media for Young Adults (online)

All courses are three (3) credits. Total minimum required credits for graduation is 36 credits (12 courses). Full-time teaching/school librarian experience in K-12 schools may waive the SLM practicum, and courses from a previous master’s program can count for similar required SLM courses. In that case, the requirements for the master’s degree and the school librarian licensure can be met with 33 or 30 credits.  Students need to consult with the SLM advisor to confirm their study plan and licensure application process.

School Library Media course of study checklist (.docx) 

School Library Media flyer (SLM Flyer)

Organizations of interest to students in School Library Media Services

Professional associations are important sources of information about the profession, continuing education opportunities, scholarship support, and networking. Most have student membership rates.

Page updated October 2020