Requirements for Library Media Specialists

STUDENTS: Interested in becoming a YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN? Click here for information.

The following information is excerpted from an article in School Library Journal, June 1998, entitled The knowledge you Need, Updated Requirements for Library Media Specialists, by Patsy H. Perritt; pgs 36-57.

TABLE 1: Alaska Certification Requirement:

NOTE: Recommendations from preparing institution or certifying state agency required; at least 6 semester hours earned within 5 years preceding application
Certificate or Endorsement: Eduational Program, Experience & Recommendation:
Library Science, Media - Type A, Regular Certificate Completion of an approved teacher education program in librarianship; 3 semester hours in Alaska studies and 3 semester hours in multicultural education or crosscultural communications.
Library Science - Type C, Special Services Certificate Completion of program in librarianship but not in teacher education; 3 semester hours in Alaska studies and 3 semester hours in multicultural education or crosscultural communications.

TABLE 2: Knowledge/Subject Areas/Competencies:

NOTE: No subject areas or competencies are identified for Alaska, however the recommended Anchorage School District competencies are:

 State Administration Technology/
Audiovisuals		 Cataloging Reference Literature Selection Practicum
 Alaska Administration of school libraries   Cataloging and classification  Reference Literature for children or adolescents Principles and policies of selection and use of instructional resources  

Credentialing Agency:
Dept. of Education / Teacher Education & Certification
801 West 10th, Suite 200
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1894
(907) 465-2026 - and - (907) 465-2441 fax
http://www.educ.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification/DIGEST.html

NOTE: Former ACTE member Harry Matrone, now the Assistant Director of K-12 Academic Programs for University of Washington Educational Outreach, want to let everyone know about UW's School Library and Media Specialist Certificate (SLMS) program, which allows teachers in both Washington and Alaska to earn school library and media specialist endorsements on their teaching certificates. If you are interested, or know someone else who might be, visit the Web at http://www.extension.washington.edu OR e-mail Harry for information at hmatrone@ese.washington.edu .

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Updated: 06/13/05 - pages created by s. hutchison