What Can You Do with a Degree in Library Science, School Library Media K-12?

The School Library Media K-12 online program at Kent State University provides the focus and adherence to ALA, CAEP, and Ohio Department of Education standards for those interested in pursuing a career in K-12 School Librarianship.

In a similar manner to top-level school administrators, librarians, specifically those with school media expertise, interact with every member of the student body and faculty in one way or another.¹ Librarians influence curriculum, student performance, and school technological capabilities on a daily basis. They are integral to a school’s, and a student’s, success.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Communities are increasingly turning to libraries for a variety of services and activities.²

Become a School Librarian with a Master’s Degree in Library Science, School Library Media K-12

School librarians typically work with students in a school library or media center. The daily job responsibilities of a school library media specialist tend to reflect the roles of teacher, instructional partner, administrator, and information specialist.³

• You will take an active role in teaching information literacy skills, collaborating with teachers on lessons, assisting teachers with curriculum resources, and integrating technology into the curriculum.
• You will have an administrative role in managing all aspects of the school library, such as developing the collection of library resources and making them available to students and staff.
• As an information specialist, you will instruct others on evaluating and accessing information resources.

Kent State University Online Master of Library and Information Science, School of Library Media K-12 Major

The Master of Library and Information Science degree in School Library Media K-12 prepares students to apply for multi-age licensure in school library media. The program curriculum is based on both practice and theory and includes library science and educational technology courses. The theoretical content is aligned with the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians’ national standards, and the Ohio state standards for school libraries.

Students who complete this graduate program are licensed to work at any level K-12 as a Library/Media specialist. Students are given opportunities to apply their learning in practical environments through a culminating experience and other options. Graduates are prepared to work in all types of libraries.

Graduates of the School Library Media K-12 program will be able to:

1. Apply the field’s foundational theories, principles, values, ethics, and skills to everyday practice in a school library context.
2. Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the school librarianship field.
3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational, and social roles and responsibilities of librarians and the educational environments they work in within the global society.
4. Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a school librarianship context.
5. Identify needs and connect K12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Dual Degree: Students also have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology and the MLIS degree in School Library Media K-12. The M.Ed./MLIS dual degree program leads to multi-age initial licensure in school library media. This program prepares students to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries. The program of study includes professional educational requirements, along with library science and educational technology courses. Learn more about the dual degree.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Library and Information Science, School Library Media K-12 major, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-school-library-media.

Kent State University Online Master of Library and Information Science

The Online Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) prepares students for professional positions in public, academic, special, and school libraries; archives; museums; and other types of information agencies, organizations, and companies.

Many MLIS graduates go on to positions in other areas of the information field besides libraries—in research, for example, or publishing, information management, competitive business intelligence, and other fields. An accredited MLIS degree is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers.

Program Highlights:

• Required courses give a foundation in the library and information science field
• To enhance the curriculum, take classes in Master of Science programs health informatics, knowledge management, and user experience design
• Admissions and classes offered year-round
• Graduates can be found in libraries, information agencies, museums and cultural organizations, and companies of all sorts and sizes

Dual Degree
Students also have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the MBA degree and the MLIS degree. Learn more about the dual degree.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Library and Information Science degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-library-and-information-science.

¹ Retrieved on May 11, 2021, from https://teach.com/what/teachers-know/school-media
² Retrieved on May 11, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm
³ Retrieved on May 11, 2021, from https://www.kent.edu/iSchool/school-library-media-k-12