Contact

Beth Patin
Program Director
(315) 443-2911
igrad@syr.edu

Website

https://ischool.syracuse.edu/academics/library-and-information-science-school-media-masters-degree/

Overview

The School Media program is a major specialization within the Library and Information Science (LIS) program and requires that students meet not only the core LIS requirements, but also specified coursework in information literacy, youth services, information technology in schools, and library management. School librarians provide active curriculum support services and library and information skills instruction in elementary and secondary school settings. School librarians serve as intermediaries between the information needs of students, faculty, administration, and community and the information systems and resources required to fulfill those needs. In this capacity, school librarians provide print and non-print media in support of the curriculum; collaborate with classroom teachers by teaching research/information literacy skills in the context of the general curriculum; guide students in selecting reading materials and provide literacy support; and introduce and facilitate effective use and delivery of current and emerging technologies.

School librarians are competent in:

• designing, delivering, and assessing instruction that motivates students to acquire and use skills needed for learning in an information environment.
• planning inquiry-based learning experiences.
• selecting and using information resources and instructional technologies to facilitate student motivation and inquiry-based learning.
• connecting instruction to national and state standards.
• integrating instruction across the curriculum.
• providing instructional leadership, collaboration, and support in the area of information and inquiry skills in schools and districts.
• collection management based on a unified media concept.
• teaching, support, and guidance in the use of information resources from a problem-solving perspective.
• promotion of print, media, and digital literacy.
• curriculum consultation and technology innovation.
• information management beyond the walls of the centralized library facility; and program management.

The educational focus on inquiry-based lifetime learning, critical thinking skills, and multiple literacies directly links overall educational goals to the services and resources of the school library program.

The nationally ranked (U.S. News & World Report) School Media Program at Syracuse University prepares students for the exciting and challenging role of the school librarian.

The LIS master's degree in school media also enables graduates to enter other specializations in the library profession. For example, in public libraries there is a need for librarians for children and young adult services. In community college libraries, the need for librarians trained in teaching information and technology skills is high. Students trained as school librarians are highly qualified for these and other library positions.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the completion of their program, MSLIS: School Media students will be prepared effectively to:

1. Advance information equity and justice by applying professional ethics, values, and standards to work towards a just and equitable information society
2. Connect, engage, and collaborate with users and their communities through the provision of inclusive resources, services, and spaces
3. Design and innovate to create equitable, just, and engaging information artifacts, including services, systems, spaces, resources, and technologies
4. Lead and manage people and projects in an equitable, just, and culturally responsive manner
5. Demonstrate information literacy and technological agility

Curriculum

The School Media program requires 36 credits for the MSLIS and completion of additional New York State certification requirements. Because of the specific knowledge and skills required by school librarians, all courses in the program are required. Students are required to take the following courses.

VIII. Additional Requirements

Upon completion of the School Media Program, combined with New York State requirements including

1. completion of the New York State child abuse, substance abuse, and violence prevention workshops;
2. the Child Health and Life Safety Prevention workshop (fire and arson prevention; highway safety and traffic regulations and school safety patrols; child abduction prevention; and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse)*;
3. fingerprinting;
4. Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop*; and
5. successful completion of the appropriate New York State certification exams, students will have fulfilled all the necessary requirements for certification as a school library media specialist in an elementary or secondary school in New York State.

The School of Education, with approval from the School of Information Studies, will recommend a student for a New York State School Media Specialist initial certificate, preK-12, necessary for employment for New York State public schools and accepted for employment by most other states. Students from other states must verify the certification requirements of their own state.

*graduation requirements