Teaching & Learning - Library Information Specialist
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 24 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.
This certificate requires 24 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.
Point of Pride
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.
Advising
Ryan Brown
(309) 438-3964
DeGarmo Hall 232B
Schedule a Visit
Discover what life as a Illinois State graduate student is like with an Online Graduate Student Information Session.
How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a graduate certificate program or as a graduate student at-large 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 within one academic year
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
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.
Resume
Submit a current resume that clearly documents your teaching experience. Include schools, positions held, and dates of employment.
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.
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
Reference Contact Information
Submit the names and email addresses of two references for letters of recommendation within the online application.
English Proficiency Scores (international students only)
Provide an official TOEFL/IELTS score if you’re applying as an international student.
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