Library and Information Science (K-12 School Library Media Licensure)

Course Overview

The American Library Association has granted continued accreditation to the Kent State M. L. I. S. program for over 50 years. An accredited M. L. I. S. is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers. The degree program is available 100 percent online. An option for an on-campus program offers a limited number of select face-to-face courses and a majority of online courses. The student has the option of taking general electives for the M. L. I. S. or focusing in one or more areas. The School provides advising to help students select appropriate courses for a variety of areas of specialization. Students interested in School Library Media licensure have three pathways: M. L. I. S. degree with K-12 School Library Media Licensure, Dual Degree M.Ed. / M. L. I. S. degrees with K-12 School Library Media Licensure, or K-12 School Library Media Licensure only. The K-12 School Library media Licensure only program prepares graduates to work in school libraries only, leads to a multi-age licensure in school library media, and includes library science and instructional technology courses. In addition, they must successfully complete the exam for Library Media Specialists, administered by the Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson. A number of M. L. I. S. degree options provide training in the theory and practice in the following: The Master of Library and Information Science (M. L. I. S.) + K-12 School Library Media Licensure prepares graduates to work in all types of libraries including school libraries, leads to the M. L. I. S. + multi-age licensure in school library media, and includes library science and instructional technology courses within the College of Education, Health and Human Services. The Dual Degree Master of Education (M.Ed.) and M. L. I. S. + K-12 School Library Media Licensure prepares graduates to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries, and confers initial teaching license. The program leads to the M.Ed. and M. L. I. S. + multi-licensure in school library media, is offered in cooperation with the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, and includes professional educational requirements, as well as library science and instructional technology courses. Up to 27 credit hours may count toward both programs. The Dual Master of Library and Information Science (M. L. I. S.) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed for managers of large libraries and information centers. Individuals in these positions need knowledge pertaining to planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Advanced education to obtain knowledge and learn skills related to these management functions enables students to take advantage of career opportunities in library settings and other information settings, both in the profit and nonprofit sectors. Up to 27 credit hours may count toward both programs.