School Library Media Leadership Certificate

The FSU School of Library & Information Studies School Library Media Leadership Certificate program prepares school library media specialists to be leaders by strengthening skills in technology integration, instructional collaboration, reading, and information leadership. This Master's, post-Master's, or Specialist's certificate program is intended to develop increased expertise among people who already have some experience, rather than to introduce new professionals to the field.

It is specifically designed to develop leadership, analytical, and reflective skills that will facilitate success not only in professional practice but also towards National Board Certification in Library Media for already certified school library media specialists. The courses are constructed to provide the skills to positively impact student learning; collaborate with teachers to effectively use library resources tailored to the learning needs of students; facilitate reading strategies; and effectively select and integrate various technologies into the instructional program of the school.

Note: Some experience as a certified school library media specialist is also preferred.

Certificate Requirements

The following 12 credit hours are required. No other courses may be substituted for any of the courses listed below.

• LIS 5524 Instructional Role of the Information Professional (3 credits)
• LIS 5442 Information Leadership (3 credits)
• LIS 5441 Leadership in Reading (3 credits)
• LIS 5405 Leadership in Technology (3 credits)

Requirements for Admission and Award of a Certificate

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

Degree-seeking students must:

• Be enrolled in the Master’s (MLIS) or Post-master’s (Specialist) degree program prior to admission to the certificate program;
• Submit the Project Lead Essay Requirement; and
• Obtain approval by the School Media faculty after review of the Project Lead Admission Essay.

Note: Some experience as a certified school library media specialist is also preferred.

Non-Degree students must:

• Have earned a Master's degree prior to admission;
• Apply and be admitted as a “Non-Degree Seeking Special Student” to the University;
• Submit the online FSU SLIS Supplemental Application to the School of Library and Information Studies; and
• Request an official transcript to be sent directly to the School of Library and Information Studies, in addition to the one(s) required by the University for admission.
• Submit the Project Lead Essay Requirement; and
• Obtain approval by the School Media faculty after review of the Project Lead Admission Essay.

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, GRE score will be required at that time.

To receive the 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 completed Application for Certificate (degree and non-degree students) and one official transcript (non-degree students only) to:

Graduate Student Services
School of Library and Information Studies
Florida State University
142 Collegiate Loop
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100

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Last updated December 8, 2011 by Graduate Student Services

Content Provider: Dr. Linda Swaine