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Teaching & Learning - Library Information Specialist

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Overview

Illinois State University offers coursework designed especially for teachers seeking endorsement as Library Information Specialists. By completing the post-baccalaureate certificate program in Library Information Specialist, certified teachers complete the 18 credit hours in library science required by the Illinois State Board of Education as part of the endorsement process (the other part consists of passing the content-area exam). Taught by experienced practitioners and University faculty, the courses have been carefully mapped to the Illinois content area standards. 

The Library Information Specialist program is a 100% online program consisting of online synchronous courses. This certificate requires 18 credit hours for completion. 

For more information regarding our graduation rates, cost of instruction, and the median loan debts of students who complete the program, please review the gainful employment disclosures.  

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More Illinois State graduates have earned National Board certification, the gold standard for accomplished teaching, than alumni from any other university in the Midwest, among reporting teachers.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Ellis Hurd
(309) 438-5115
DeGarmo 224

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
  • If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
  • If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

With some exceptions, most students enrolled in these courses are certified teachers. Prerequisites for all courses are “certified teachers or consent of instructor.”

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

GPA

You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Resume

Submit a current resume that clearly documents your teaching experience. Include schools, positions held, and dates of employment.

Transcripts

Provide an official transcript from each higher education institution attended.

Professional Goals Statement

Prepare a 1 to 2-page professional goals statement that addresses:

  • Why you want to be a school library media specialist/teacher-librarian
  • Your goals for a career as a teacher-librarian
  • The relationship between school librarianship and Realizing the Democratic Ideal, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Core Propositions, or Illinois Professional Teaching Standards

English Proficiency Scores (international students only)

Provide an official TOEFL/IELTS score if you’re applying as an international student.

Global Access to Online Degree Programs

When applying, international students applying to a fully online program must agree to our international online and hybrid programs disclosure and disclaimer statements. Due to limited on-campus courses, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Term — July 15; Applications received after July 15 will be accepted as space permits
  • Spring Term — November 1; Applications received after November 1 will be accepted as space permits
  • Summer Term — March 15; Applications received after March 15 will be accepted as space permits

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