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To become a media specialist in a school, one must have a bachelor’s degree and complete a graduate program in library science with a concentration in library media. Most US states require a master’s degree in library science or education with library media support. Prospective students should research colleges and universities offering ALA-accredited programs, consider program duration and distance education options, and gain classroom teaching experience. Typical courses include collection development, library management, and children’s literature. Some programs require an internship. State teacher licensing departments can provide specific requirements for school librarians.
To earn a media specialist degree, a future librarian must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The aspiring media specialist is eligible to apply to a graduate program in library science with a concentration in library media. Most US states require a school librarian to have a master’s in library science or a master’s in education with library media support.
Media specialists are librarians working in public or private schools. They are responsible for teaching students how to conduct surveys using a variety of electronic and print tools. Media experts also encourage a love of literature by promoting books to every student who walks through the school library doors.
Before deciding on a school that offers a library science program, a prospective graduate student should research the various colleges and universities. Not all colleges offer programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), the official organization that promotes library services in the United States. Some US states require school librarians to graduate from a university that provides an ALA-accredited library media program.
Future school librarians should also consider the duration of the media degree program. Some schools offer programs that students can complete in one year, while other programs require two years. People who are unable to commute to college because there are no media degree programs in their area may also consider a distance education option.
These programs allow students to complete courses at home, using the Internet to access lectures. Students can submit assignments online and communicate with teachers and classmates through chat rooms and message boards. Distance education programs may still require students to attend some classes in person, so travel expenses should also be considered when choosing a university.
Typical courses in a media specialization program often include classes on collection development, library management, children’s and youth literature, cataloging, research methods, intellectual freedom, and other subjects related to modern libraries. Students will also learn about online research, electronic databases, and automated circulation systems. Some media majors programs require students to complete an internship, providing hands-on training under the tutelage of an experienced school librarian.
People who want to become media experts also need to have classroom teaching experience. Schools may require media specialist candidates to be certified classroom teachers. Some school districts are reluctant to hire school librarians who lack classroom experience.
Other districts will hire a school librarian as long as he or she has completed a library media program and has earned certification as a media specialist. Those enrolled in a specialized media program should consult their state’s teacher licensing department for more details. They can find out the exact requirements for a school librarian in the state they want to work in.
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