Learn More!
The iSchool hosts a number of opportunities for you to explore the LIS program. Attend Information Sessions at the iSchool or online, whichever suits your schedule. More >
School Library Certification Program
Library Science Endorsement Option
(For Those Students Who Hold a Valid Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate)
This options is designed for those who hold a valid PA Instructional I or Instructional II certificate in another teaching area. To have "Library Science, K-12" added to your teaching certificate, you must successfully complete the requirements of the 36-credit SLCP specialization and pass the required Praxis test for Library Media Specialist with a score established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You should plan on three terms of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study.
Required Core Courses
- LIS 2000 Understanding Information
- LIS 2005 Organizing and Retrieving Information
- LIS 2600 Introduction to Information Technologies
- LIS 2774 School Library Media Center Management
Required Courses
- LIS 2322 Resources for Children
- LIS 2323 Resources for Young Adults
- LIS 2325 Curriculum Resources and Services in the School
Library Media Center
- LIS 2327 Multicultural Resources and Services
- LIS 2328 Information Literacy Resources and Services
- LIS 2329 Special Education Resources and Services
Elective
- one course
Practicum
Students who choose the Endorsement Option must complete a three-credit practicum (LIS 2922) near the end of their MLIS program.
The practicum experience encompasses several types of learning experiences designed to help students apply and master competencies over the fifteen-week term:
- Completion of 25 days of concentrated teaching and management experience in an elementary or secondary school library media center under the direction of an experienced school library media specialist. This practicum is not the equivalent of a student teacher working full time under the direction of a supervising teacher over the course of a term.
- Participation in weekly seminars on specific topics related to teaching and providing services to students, collaboration with teachers, and program management.
- Reading and participation in weekly electronic reflections relating practicum experience to aspects of the weekly seminar topics. Pitt's Web-based Courseweb serves as the medium of communication among students and with instructor.
- Participation in a day-long field trip (on-campus students ONLY).
Practicum Checklist of Competencies and Learning Activities (PDF Document)
Suggested Schedules
- Recommended schedule for full-time students
- Recommended schedule for part-time students
- Emergency Certification Option (PDF document)
- Full-time Teacher Option (PDF document)