Youth Services Certificate

The FSU School of Library & Information Studies Youth Services Certificate program prepares librarians to be successful youth services librarians. This certificate program offers training in resources, services, and evaluation focused on the information needs and interests of children and youth.

Youth Services Certificate Program Requirements

Take a total of 12 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 5524 Instructional Role of the Information Specialist (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5564 Information Needs of Children (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5565 Information Needs of Young Adults (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5566 Multicultural Lit & Information Resources for Youth (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5567 International Literature for Youth (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5603 Introduction to Information Services (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5916 Graphic Novels (3 semester hours)
• LIS 5900r Directed Individual Study (3 semester hours) (Topic must be pre-approved)

Requirements for Admission and Award of a 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” 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 Youth 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 completed Application for Certificate and one official transcript from each college or university attended to:

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

Last updated: March 14, 2012 by Graduate Student Services
Content Provider: Graduate Student Services