Preparation for Library Media Specialist Certification

Library Media Specialist Certification

Completion of the required courses will enable the student to apply for official certification as a Library Media Specialist. This certificate authorizes the holder to supervise and/or administer Library Media services in grades PK-12 in any accredited school in Oklahoma and to teach Library Media skills in grades PK-12. A list of required courses may be obtained from the Director of Graduate Advisement or Program Coordinator.

Website: https://www.uco.edu/programs/jcgs/ceps/certifications/library-media-specialist-certification

Standard Library Media Specialist Certificate

A Master’s degree is required for standard certification.

A. For applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree, but do not have a Master’s degree

1. Applicants may qualify if they hold and maintain a valid certification credential in early childhood education, elementary education, elementary - secondary education, secondary education, or vocational-technical education.
2. Applicants must complete the required courses for a Master’s degree in Library Media Education.

B. For applicants already holding a Master’s degree:

1. Applicants may qualify if they hold and maintain a valid certification credential in early childhood education, elementary education, elementary - secondary education, secondary education, or vocational-technical education.
2. Applicants who hold a Master’s degree and are seeking Library Media Specialist Certification are required to twenty-four (24) hours of required course work.

C. For applicants already holding a Master’s degree in library science:

1. Alternative certification is available with a Master’s degree in Library Science and 6-18 hours of teacher education courses through the State Department of Education, depending on work experience.

Required courses:

• IME 5053 - School Library Administration
• IME 5063 - School Library Foundations
• IME 5013 - Young Adult Library Resources
• IME 5223 - Collaborative Instr Processes
• IME 5233 - Children’s Library Resources
• IME 5453 - Collection Management
• IME 5863 - School Library Technology
• IME 5883 - Capstone in Library Media

General Guidelines

1. The applicant must satisfy all requirements related to formal admission to the Jackson College of Graduate Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. Applications may be completed online at http://www.uco.edu/graduate/admissions.html.
2. All courses applicable to the Master of Education in Library Media must be taken at the graduate level AND the applicant must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all Library Media Education courses.
3. At least a minimum of twelve (12) hours must be completed at the University of Central Oklahoma for certificate recommendation by UCO.
4. The applicant shall satisfactorily complete the state curriculum examination in the area of Library Media Specialist prior to being issued a standard license/certificate.
5. The applicant shall hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
6. The applicant shall satisfy all general regulations of eligibility including, for the standard certificate, completion of the course SPED 4123 Teaching Individuals with Disabilities or its equivalent.
7.  Applicants must hold a valid Oklahoma teaching license/ certification prior to completion of the program.
8. For recommendation for certification, applicants must maintain a 3.0 in all Library Media Education courses and have no more than six (6) hours of “C.”
9. Applicants must successfully complete all portfolio requirements as designated by the program.

Individuals who hold teacher certification via the State Department of Education’s Alternative Certification method will need to be recommended for adding advanced certification area(s) by UCO. However, the individual will remain part of the State Department of Education’s Alternative Certification Placement Program.