Reference Services Certificate

The FSU School of Library & Information Studies Certificate in Reference Services prepares librarians to assume the role of an information, research, and instructional specialist in order to provide assistance to library patrons. The certificate program offers training in searching, selecting, and using information resources in a wide range of forms and formats; understanding information needs; and communicating and working effectively with diverse populations.

Reference Services Certificate Requirements

Required: LIS 5603, Introduction to Information Services

Take a total of 9 credit hours from the following courses. After you are admitted, a faculty advisor will be assigned to help you identify the four courses that will facilitate achieving your goals. No other courses may be substituted for any of the courses listed below.

• LIS 5008 Advanced Online Searching (3 credits)
• LIS 5241 International and Comparative Information Services (3 credits)
• LIS 5273 Library Practicum (3 credits)
• LIS 5417 Introduction to Legal Resources (3 credits)
• LIS 5474 Business Information Needs and Sources (3 credits)
• LIS 5524 Instructional Role of the Information Specialist (3 credits)
• LIS 5576 Information Needs of Adults (3 credits)
• LIS 5631 Health Information Sources (3 credits)
• LIS 5661 Information Needs and Services in Government Information (3 credits)
• LIS 5900r/5916r Directed Individual Study (3 credits) (Topic must be approved by your faculty advisor)

Requirements for Admission and Award of a Reference Services Certificate

This certificate is available to degree and non-degree seeking students.

Degree-seeking students must:

• Be enrolled in the Master's (MLIS) or Post-master's (Specialist) degree program;

Non-Degree students must:

• Have earned a Bachelor degree prior to admission;
• Apply and be admitted as a “Non-Degree Seeking Special Student” (i.e., non-degree) to the University;
• Submit the online FSU SLIS Supplemental Application to the School of Library and Information Studies;
• Submit a copy of your current resume;
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions be sent directly to the School of Library & Information Studies, in addition to the one(s) required by the Office of University Admissions.

Note: Non-degree students do not need to take a standardized test (e.g., GRE) for admission into a certificate program. If a student decides later to apply for admission as a degree-seeking student, an appropriate graduate entrance exam score (GRE preferred) will be required at that time.

To receive the Reference Services certificate, students must:

• Complete 12-credit hours of course work (four courses) from the approved list of courses, and
• Earn a B or higher in each of the four courses taken for credit. (This is a higher standard of academic performance per course than required for the degree.)
• Submit the online SLIS Graduate Certificate Completion Request Form requesting completion of a certificate at the beginning of the semester in which you will complete the requirements for the certificate program.

Send your official transcript from each college or university attended to:

Graduate Student Services
School of Library & Information Studies
Florida State University
P.O. Box 2100
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100

Last updated: December 8, 2011 by Graduate Student Services
Content Provider: Graduate Student Services