School Library Certification Programs
Below is an alphabetized list of NYSED approved School Librarianship preperation programs. If you have any questions about any of the programs, please contact the University or College directly.
Long Island University
Program Description from the University: The Palmer School of Library and Information Science is one of the most distinguished schools of library and information science in the country. With three program locations throughout the New York metropolitan area as well as online and blended courses, the Palmer School offers a broad portfolio of degree and advanced certificate programs taught by a faculty of distinguished scholars, researchers and hands-on practitioners. We prepare you for careers for a digital world and help you skillfully harness the way information is preserved, valued and delivered to every facet of society.
Type of Program: Face-to-Face, Online, and Blended
Face to Face Location: CW Post Campus - Brookville, NY or Manhattan
Approximate Tuition and Fees for 2017-2018*: $3,603 per 3-hour course* (plus fees)
*This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the university.
Contact: Dr. Bea Baaden
Queens College
Program Description from the University: The Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies is fully accredited by the American Library Association. Our LMS programs prepare students for NYS teacher certification in the area of Library Media Specialist at affordable tuition rates under the guidance of nationally known faculty and practitioners. The Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies has three LMS programs designed to suit the needs of students with a variety of backgrounds including students who are already certified teachers who wish to become LMS, students who are not yet certified teachers who wish to become LMS, and students who are not yet certified but already have completed a Master’s Degree in Library [and Information] Science who wish to become LMS. The LMS Program emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills needed to teach information literacy to the K-12 school community, to foster collaborative partnerships with the school's faculty and administration, and to evaluate and select materials that support the needs of the school community.Type of Program: Face-to-Face, Online, and Blended
**This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the university.
University at Albany
Program Description from the University: The University at Albany’s Department of Information Studies Master’s in Information Science program is one of 50 library and information science programs in the US to be accredited by the American Library Association. In every area of study students are instructed by faculty who are world-class scholars and teachers - many are actively engaged in research and scholarship that contributes profoundly to the public good. School Library Media graduates are recognized as information professionals, change agents, and leaders in information literacy, educational assessment and evaluation, and information technology. Graduates provide leadership and expertise needed to create school library programs that align to the mission, goals and objectives of the K-12 at the building and district level, and are integral components of learning and instructional programs.
Type of program: Face-to-face, online and blended
Face to Face Location: Albany, NY
Approximate Tuition and Fees for 2019-2020**: $1,413.00 for 3 credits* (in-State tuition plus fees). Thirty-six credit program.
**This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the university.
Website: https://www.albany.edu/cehc/programs/ms-information-science-school-library-online-program
Contact: Joette Stefl-Mabry, Associate Professor and School Library Program Director
St. John Fisher College
Online M.S. in Library Media Program
Program Description from the College: St. John Fisher College’s online M.S. in Library Media program leads not only to initial certification as a library media specialist, but also to professional certification in your original initial teaching certificate area. The 30 credit hour program effectively prepares you to undertake the productive, critical, and efficient use of libraries, media, and information technology. You also will learn many ways to contribute, in a collaborative manner, to student literacy and inquiry skills. The program is designed for those who hold initial or provisional teacher certification and wish to specialize in library media. As a library media graduate, you may also apply for your certificate as a public librarian.
Type of Program: Online with 100 clock hours of supervised fieldwork
Face to Face Location: N/A
Approximate Tuition and Fees for 2019-2020: Tuition is $975 per credit hour. (Students in the program take a total of 30 credits.)
*This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the College.
Website: https://sjfc.edu/graduate-programs/ms-in-library-media/
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Cannell; email: jcannell@sjfc.edu
Pratt Institute
Program Description from the University: Pratt Institute's School of Information and Library Science (SILS) programs prepare students for exciting and challenging careers as information professionals and digital innovators in libraries, archives, museums, and beyond. Building upon Pratt's national reputation as a leading school in art and design, we bring creativity and innovation to Library and Information Science (LIS) education. Our emphasis on cultural informatics focuses our curriculum around the convergence of culture, technology, and information across a wide range of environments, both physical and digital. Our beautiful Manhattan facility offers cutting-edge seminar/lab classrooms designed for participatory, hands-on learning experiences and access to NYC's world-class cultural and educational institutions. Through innovative internships and educational programs, our students are prepared to lead today's exciting and expanding information society.
Type of Program: Face-to-Face
Face to Face Location: Manhattan, NY
Approximate Tuition and Fees for 2017-2018*: $3,969 per 3-hour course* (plus fees)
*This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the university.
Website: http://lms.prattsils.org/
Contact: Jessica Hochman, PhD Assistant Professor and LMS Coordinator
Syracuse University
Program Description from the University: 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, literacy and reading support, and management in school libraries. 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.
Type of Program: Face-to-Face, Online*, and Blended
* The online program does require a two week on campus residency in the summer in Syracuse.
Face to Face Location: Syracuse, NY
Approximate Tuition and Fees for 2019-2020**: $4,860 per 3-hour course*. MS requires thirty-six credits.
**This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the university.
Syracuse University is able to offer 25% off of the price listed above.
Website: http://ischool.syr.edu/
Contact: Blythe Allison Bennett, Program Manager, Library and Information Science/School Media
University at Buffalo
Program Description from the University: The Department of Library and Information Studies has an approved competency-based program registered by the New York State Education Department and is authorized to recommend students for certification for the Library Media Specialist, K-12 Initial Certificate. All library media specialist courses are offered online.
Type of Program: Online
Approximate Tuition and Fees for 2019-20: $1,413 per 3-hour course (in-State plus fees). Thirty-nine credits required.
*This is an approximate cost and you should verify this information with the university.
Website: http://ed.buffalo.edu/information/academics/masters/school-librarianship.html
Contact: Mary Jo Sicurella, MS in School Librarianship Coordinator