Alternative Certification in School Library Media

Candidates who are interested in certification as school library media specialist, but already possess a Master's degree in Education or Library Information Science, may obtain "institutional recommendation" from the University of Delaware without being a matriculated student in the MI program. All candidates interested in this recommendation must first contact Peggy Dillner.

Candidates with a Master's Degree in Education

The Delaware Department of Education requires that persons seeking certification as a School Library Media Specialist complete an ALA/NCATE accredited program in that area. Candidates who are certified classroom teachers and already possess a master's degrees will not be required to complete another master's degree program, but may enroll in and complete the following approved School Library Media Course of Study at University of Delaware.

For candidates with master's degrees to be eligible for the University of Delaware's recommendation for certification in School Library Media, candidates must complete the following:

Enroll in the School Library Media Course of Study.
Provide proof of certification as a classroom teacher.
Provide proof of completion of a master's degree (official transcript).
Complete a minimum of 18 of the 27 required credit hours in the School Library Media Course of Study at the University of Delaware. EDLM 666, Practicum must be completed at the University of Delaware. Candidates may take up to 9 credit hours at another institution, however these courses must be from an ALA/NCATE accredited program, with the exception of the Childhood Literature. No transfer credits older than three years will be accepted.

Required Prerequisite Course (3 credits)

EDLM 626: Development of Libraries in Society

Course Description: This course will explore the evolution of libraries and the changes in the role of librarian over the course of time. Focus will be on issues and events that have brought about increased impact that information has on society. Discussions will include defining and understanding the changing role of librarians in society as a whole and schools in particular, ethical issues impacting the profession, and the challenges facing the profession. This course is offered ONLINE only.

Required Courses (24 credits)

EDLM 621: Reference Services and Resources

Course Description: Explores and evaluates the role of information in our society and the range of reference resources supporting the school library media center. Includes the evaluation and use of print and electronic resources, reference procedures, and the instructional role of information resources in the school curriculum.

EDLM 622: Introduction to Cataloging and Classification

Course Description: Cataloging and classification form the foundations upon which information access and retrieval are based. This course will introduce the principles of cataloging and classification of library materials. Topics to be covered include standardized cataloging rules and their interpretations, standards for classification and subject headings, using technology for original and copy cataloging, and factors involved with curriculum needs and the school library catalog.

EDLM 625: School Library Media Program Administration

Course Description: This course is designed to give students knowledge of school library program administration including policy & procedures, collection development, finance, facilities, and personnel. Emphasis will be placed on the exploration of available resources and the creative use of these resources in problem solving within library media centers. The role of the library media specialist as collaborator, partner, teacher, and resource within the school community will be addressed.

EDLM 628: School Library Media Curriculum

Course Description: This course will explore the role of the school library media program in meeting information literacy and other education standards. Topics to be covered include information literacy, state education standards, advocacy, instructional technology and collaboration.

EDLM 602: Childhood Literature (special section)

Course Description: This course is designed to expose students to a wide range of literature for children. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of literature appropriate for today's youth in PreK to Upper Elementary/Middle School classrooms as delivered by School Library Media Specialists. An emphasis will be placed on the evaluation and selection criteria, correlation with curriculum standards, learning style differences, literature for required classroom reading, and literature for recreational reading.

EDLM 603: Adolescent Literature (special section)

Course Description: This course will introduce graduate students to the field of literature appropriate for today's youth in middle and high schools as delivered by school library media specialists. An emphasis will be placed on evaluation and selection criteria. A wealth of titles in all genres will be examined for quality of writing, interest to adolescents, and relationship to curriculum standards. The role of resident YA literature expert within the library media specialist's total responsibilities will also be examined fully.

Educational Research

Students must take one of the following 3-credit courses:

EDUC 607: Educational Research Procedures
EDUC 863: Program Evaluation in Education

EDLM 666: Practicum

EDLM 666 is taken last and includes taking PRAXIS for SLM.

Registration information can be found by contacting the University of Delaware Professional and Continuing Studies.

Candidates with a Master's Degree in Library/Information Science

The Delaware Department of Education requires that persons seeking certification as a School Library Media Specialist complete an ALA/NCATE accredited program in that area. Candidates who possess a master's degree in library/information science will not be required to complete another master's degree program, but may enroll in and complete the following approved courses at the University of Delaware.

For candidates with master's degrees in library/information science to be eligible for the University of Delaware's recommendation for certification in School Library Media, candidates must complete the following:

Provide proof of successfully passing the PRAXIS I test in education (score 175 reading, 174 math, 173 in writing or better).
Provide proof of completion of a master's degree in library/information science (official transcript).
Complete a minimum of 18 of the 27 required credit hours listed below at the University of Delaware. EDLM 666, Practicum must be completed at the University of Delaware. Candidates may take up to 9 credit hours at another institution, however these courses must be from an ALA/NCATE accredited program, with the exception of the Childhood Literature course. No transfer credits older than three years will be accepted.

Courses Required for Institutional Recommendation (27 credits)

EDUC 623: Applied Human Development in the Schools (3 credits)

Reading (3 credits)

Candidates must take one of the following 3-credit courses:

EDUC 620: Foundations of Reading Instruction
EDUC 622: Role of Literacy in the Content Area

EDUC 619: Diversity in the Classroom (3 credits)

Classroom Management (3 credits)

Candidates must take one of the following 3-credit courses:

EDUC 658: Discipline and Classroom Management
EDUC 681: Techniques for Behavior Change

Educational Research (3 credits)

Candidates must take one of the following 3-credit research courses:

EDUC 607: Educational Research Procedures
EDUC 863: Principles of Educational Evaluation

EDUC 602: Childhood Literature (special 3-credit slm section)

EDUC 603: Literature for Adolescents (special 3-credit slm section)

EDLM 628: School Library Media Curriculum (3 credits)

EDLM 666: Practicum (3 credits)