School library

The School Library Media (SLM) program is intended for students who wish to work in school libraries. The SLM program at CUA offers three choices: (1) The Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) with the SLM track, (2) the non-degree program for the school librarian license only, and (3) the non-degree program for professional development.

The SLM program resides in the MSLIS 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 many other states and jurisdictions including Virginia and Maryland (See Interstate Agreement, NASDTEC 2025-2030. Please note that those who complete the program have to check with the states where they are seeking certification to ensure they meet requirements). 

In addition to face-to-face courses, the department offers a fully online program for the SLM track and a variety of courses that focus on school library media services. Each student is expected to take the four required MSLIS core courses along with appropriate electives.

Please note that a set of specific requirements must be fulfilled in order to receive the state-issued certificate, which is mandatory for work in public school libraries. For this reason, it is vitally important that students pursuing this track stay in close contact with the SLM advisor to ensure that their coursework fulfills state requirements.

Required Courses (4 courses: 12 credits):

  • LSC 551 Organization of Information
  • LSC 553 Information Organizations and Communities
  • 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: The 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. To arrange for practicum sites, contact the Practicum Coordinator at least one semester before the Practicum is to be completed. For more information about this specialized practicum, please visit the School Library Media Practicum webpage.

Below is an example of possible coursework plans with corresponding modalities. You can modify your coursework plan depending on the courses needed, the preferred modality, and the number of courses per semester. Students can start the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are offered in another semester in the 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 Organizations and Communities* (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. A total minimum of required credits for graduation is 36 credits (12 courses). A student with the 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 as an equivalent of the similar SLM courses. In this case, the requirements for the MSLIS 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 Track Coursework Plan (.docx) 

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 2026