School Librarian Certification
School Librarian Certification is designed for individuals who have previously obtained a master's degree and are seeking to become a school librarian.
The certification only program is designed to prepare competent professionals for school librarianship. Students will be introduced to library collection development that supports the curriculum as well as reading for pleasure; comprehensive review of children's and young adult literature; how to manage a school library; information and digital literacies; digital tools that school librarians use; reference and services; and cataloging, classification, and subject analysis techniques.
Upon successful completion of the required coursework, students who are classified as certification only will be recommended for the School Librarian Certification exam in Texas. To be recommended for Texas certification, you must have a valid teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience, a master's, the requisite coursework to take the exam, as well as any other requirements included in the Texas Administrative Code for the School Librarian Certificate.
Those who do not already hold a master's degree should seek the School Librarian Certification in conjunction with the Master of Library Science.
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Applicants seeking admission to the School Librarian Certification program must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Admissions Review
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from the baccalaureate institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If GPA is lower than a 3.0, the last 60 hours of education can be used.
- Official transcript from the master degree granting institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If GPA is lower than a 3.0, the last 60 hours of education can be used.
Program Review
- Pay the $35 Texas Education Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs Fee (paid to the TEA as required by TAC 229.9.7) if seeking Texas School Librarian certification.
- A copy of a valid Texas teaching certificate.
- Teacher Service Record from your school district's Human Resource Department with 2 years of certified teaching experience preferred
- Interview
- Writing Sample
For instructions regarding the application process, please contact the Department of Library Science at (936) 294-1151 or visit the Graduate School program page.
This 24-hour certification program provides instruction for the principles and procedures common to school libraries and information centers. The primary mission of the Department of Library Science is the preparation of school librarians for grades P-12.
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| School Librarian Certification | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| LSSL 5330 | Collection Development | 3 |
| LSSL 5332 | Organization of Collections I | 3 |
| LSSL 5334 | Information Services and Resources I | 3 |
| LSSL 5337 | School Library Administration | 3 |
| LSSL 5360 | Literature For Children | 3 |
| LSSL 5366 | Library Internship | 3 |
| LSSL 5370 | School Librarianship | 3 |
| LSSL 5385 | Literature for Young Adults | 3 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state's 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The School Librarian Certification is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Collaboration and teamwork.
- Ethical practices.
- Planning and organizational skills.
- Communication.
