The school library preparatory program at the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS) is intended for all those seeking the NC 076 school library media coordinator (SLMC) license. Please see the School Library Media advising grid for a summary version of all course requirements discussed below.
Library Science Requirements
Students seeking school library media certification must meet requirements for the Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree. This degree is accredited by the American Library Association's Committee on Accreditation (COA) and includes 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework, completion of a comprehensive exam, and complete either the practicum track (INLS 779/INLS 992) or the master’s paper track (INLS 778/INLS992) in their final year.
All school library students must take the two required core courses for the MSLS degree (INLS 776 and INLS 777) in their first year and complete either the practicum track (INLS 779/INLS 992) or the master’s paper track (INLS 778/INLS992) in their final year.
School Library Specialized Requirements
Additional required courses for students seeking 076 certification are as follows:
- INLS 501: Information Resources and Services (Fall or Spring)
- INLS 530: Young Adult Literature and Related Materials (Fall)
- INLS 534: Youth and Technology in Libraries (Fall)
- INLS 732: Children's Literature and Related Materials (Spring)
- INLS 782: Library Assessment (Fall)
- INLS 783: Library Instruction and Pedagogy (Spring)
- INLS 796: Supervised Field Experience in School Library Media* (Spring; must be taken after INLS 783
*During the field experience, School Library Media Specialists must spend a minimum of 150 hours onsite in either an elementary, middle, or secondary school library under the supervision of a certified School Media Coordinator. The field experience should include a collaborative experience with a classroom teacher with the school library media student teaching at least part of a unit. If the student does not already hold a valid North Carolina A-Level Teacher's Certificate, 25 additional hours must be spent observing in one or more classrooms.
People and Communities Bin Requirement
Students seeking school library media certification must choose among the following courses within the “People and Communities” bin. If you would like to take a different course to fulfill this requirement, you must get approval from Sandra Hughes-Hassell.
- INLS 500: Human Information Interactions (3)
- INLS 690-230: Disability Informatics and Information (3)
- INLS 690-230: Community Data Lab (3)
- INLS 690-276: Information Professionals in the Makerspace
- INLS 737: Inclusive Information Services for Diverse Populations (3)
Media Coordinator Specialty Area Exam
All students seeking certification must take the Media Coordinator (#0311) PRAXIS/NTE (National Teacher's Exam) specialty exam. This is the only test required. Information about the PRAXIS tests, when they are given, and how to apply is available at www.ets.org/praxis.
Application for License
If the student or graduate has completed the appropriate program of study at UNC at Chapel Hill, the application for North Carolina Licensure for School Media Coordinator is submitted to the Licensure Officer in the School of Education. See https://ed.unc.edu/academics/licensure/additional-licensure-programs/ for specific application information or contact:
Diana B. Lys, EdD.
Assistant Dean of Program Assessment, Accreditation, and Teacher Preparation, School of Education
101 Peabody Hall
CB #3500, UNC-CH
(919) 445-8878
Fax: (919) 962-1533
Email: lys@email.unc.edu
