A Library Media Specialist is:

A teacher

As a teacher, the LMS works with students and teachers to analyze learning and information needs, to locate and use resources that will meet those needs, and to understand and communicate the information the resources provide. Essentially, the LMS is  teaching students how to use the library media center and its resources.

 An instructional partner

As an instructional partner, the LMS joins with teachers to identify links with curricular content, learning outcomes, student information needs, and information resources. The LMS takes a leadership role in developing policies, practices, and curricula that help students develop information literacy skills.

An information specialist

As an information specialist, the LMS provides expertise in acquiring and evaluating information resources in all formats; in bringing an awareness of information issues to teachers, administrators, and students; and in modeling strategies for locating, accessing, and evaluating information within and beyond the library media center.

A program administrator

As a program administrator, the LMS guides and directs all the activities related to the library media program. The LMS is an advocate for the library media program, and is proficient in the management of staff, budgets, equipment, and facilities. 

How do I become a Library Media specialist?

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction certifies Library Media Specialists at two levels — 902 initial (was 901) and 902 professional (was 902).

Candidates must hold or be eligible for a teaching license in an area other than school library media services to be eligible for the Initial Instructional Library Media Specialist (902 Initial, was 901) license. Undergraduate students may select Library/Media as a minor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Graduate students may take these courses as special students, or as the emphasis area for the Masters degree in Educational Leadership. If you are not already a licensed teacher, it is possible to complete a licensure only program through UW Oshkosh. Please refer to the following letter from our college advisers (licensure only pdf). 

To qualify for a Professional Instructional Library Media Specialist (902 Professional, was 902) license, an applicant must have held an Initial Library Media Specialist license for at least three years and complete a master's degree or the equivalent in an approved program. Many people complete the MS-Educational Leadership program here at UW Oshkosh.

Additionally, our campus offers licensure for the Library Media Supervisor. An applicant must hold the 902 Professional License with an accompanying master's degree and complete additional coursework. 

Are the classes available online?

Yes, all graduate students will complete their library coursework through the UWSSLEC (University of Wisconsin System - School Library Education Consortium) program. The contact person for this program is Carrie Lencho (Lenchoc@uww.edu) at 1-800-621-5376. Dr. Penny Garcia (garcia@uwosh.edu) serves as our local program liaison. Dr. Karen Gibson (gibsonk@uwosh.edu) is the Educational Leadership program coordinator.

Program details can be found at the following website:

http://academics.uww.edu/libmedia/uwsslec/index.htm

Are scholarships available?

Yes, the WEMTA Lowell Wilson Scholarship. See the Awards/Grants section (see Scholarships) of the WEMTA webpage. www.wemtaonline.org

Why select UW Oshkosh for your Library Media coursework?

Faculty teaching in the program have extensive experience in k-12 schools as librarian media specialists. 

What courses are required for 902 Initial Library Media Specialist licensure?

Candidates must hold or be eligible for a teaching license in an area other than school library media services to be eligible for the Initial Instructional Library Media Specialist (902 Initial, was 901) license.

Undergraduate students may select Library/Media as a minor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Effective Fall 2012 undergraduate students will be taking some of their coursework through UWSSLEC (University of Wisconsin System - School Library Education Consortium) program. The contact person for this program is Carrie Lencho (Lenchoc@uww.edu) at 1-800-621-5376. Dr. Penny Garcia (garcia@uwosh.edu) serves as our local program liaison. Dr. Karen Gibson (gibsonk@uwosh.edu) is the Educational Leadership program coordinator and can also answer your questions. UWSSLEC courses will be offered using distance learning tools. UWSSLEC courses will be offered one per semester on a two-year rotation with one course offered each fall and spring. EdL 329 will be offered Fall 2012. You will then complete your program through student teaching and apply for all your licenses during student teaching.

Graduate students -- please look at the text below the table.

To obtain institutional endorsement for this license at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh , students must take the following courses:

Graduate students may earn their 902 Initial license as their emphasis area for the Masters degree in Educational Leadership or as a special student.  Either way, (degree or licensure only,) graduate students must apply to the MS-Educational Leadership Program. Please follow the instructions on our Admissions page. All library media coursework will be completed through UWSSLEC (University of Wisconsin System - School Library Education Consortium) program. The contact person for this program is Carrie Lencho (Lenchoc@uww.edu) at 1-800-621-5376. Dr. Penny Garcia (garcia@uwosh.edu) serves as our local program liaison. Dr. Karen Gibson (gibsonk@uwosh.edu) is the Educational Leadership program coordinator and can answer your questions.

Graduate program details can be found at the following website:
http://academics.uww.edu/libmedia/uwsslec/index.htm

 Graduate students: Applying for your 902 Initial license -- Fill out appropriate DPI forms, sign them, then mail the forms and necessary check/credit card info to Dr. Karen Gibson (gibsonk@uwosh.edu), Educational Leadership program coordinator. She will obtain the institutional endorsement and mail to DPI. You do not need to include an envelope to DPI. The form you probably will need to fill out is PI-1602-IS (License Application -- Initial In-State Teaching or Pupil Services) http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/applications.html

If you have not completed your program and need emergency licensure, the form you will probably need to fill out is PI-1602-EL (License Application -- Emergency License or Permit). Follow the above process.

What courses are required for 902 Professional Library Media Specialist licensure?

To qualify for a Professional Instructional Library Media Specialist (902 Professional, was 902) license, an applicant must have held an Initial Library Media Specialist license for at least three years and complete a master's degree or the equivalent (30 graduate credits in library/media/technology coursework), in an approved program. Many people complete the MS-Educational Leadership degree program here at UW Oshkosh to satisfy the masters requirement.

Whether you are seeking licensure only or your degree and licensure, you must apply to the MS-Educational Leadership program. Simply state on your application whether you are seeking degree and license or licensure only. If you have previously applied to the UW Oshkosh for graduate studies you will need to reapply but do not need to submit a second application fee.

Effective Spring 2011, 902 Professional coursework will only be offered through UWSSLEC and only these UWSSLEC courses will be accepted (people who were enrolled in the 902 P program prior to Spring 2011 and took UW Oshkosh courses toward this license or had prior approval for other substitutions will have those courses accepted). Some UWSSLEC courses may be eligible for substitution as core courses within the MS Educational Leadership program but not the other way around. This will allow more timely offering of courses and for you to develop a state-wise network of contacts.

• UWSSLEC (University of Wisconsin System - School Library Education Consortium) program. The contact person for this program is Carrie Lencho (Lenchoc@uww.edu) at 1-800-621-5376. Dr. Penny Garcia (garcia@uwosh.edu) serves as our local program liaison.
• Program details including when courses are offered can be found at the following website: http://academics.uww.edu/libmedia/uwsslec/index.htm

Applying for your 902 Professional license (removing stipulations) -- Fill out appropriate DPI forms, sign them, then mail the forms and necessary check/credit card info to Dr. Karen Gibson (gibsonk@uwosh.edu), Educational Leadership program coordinator. She will obtain the institutional endorsement and mail to DPI. You do not need to include an envelope to DPI. The forms you probably will need to fill out are PI-1602-STP (License Application -- Stipulation Removal) and PI-1612 (Institutional Endorsement and Assurances). If you are also renewing your teaching licenses, look at PI-1602-5R (check box A,  I have completed the professional development requirement (see instructions). Renew my 5-year educator license(s)). http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/applications.html

If you have not completed your program and need a license extension, the form you will probably need to fill out is PI-1602-5R (License Application -- 5-Year Renewal), check item B (I have not completed the professional development. Issue a 1-year nonrenewable professional educator license extension). Follow the above process.

What courses are required for 91 Library Media Supervisor licensure?

To qualify for the Library Media Supervisor 91 license, an applicant must hold the 902 Professional License with an accompanying master's degree and 3 years successful school library media experience.

To obtain institutional endorsement for this license at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh , students must take the following courses (see bottom of webpage for matrix of when courses will be offered): 

How do I apply for my license?

Go to the DPI site with license application information. Click on the FAQ link to determine which form fits your specific needs.
http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/applications.html

Fill in the form(s), send it/them to the Ed Leadership Program Coordinator. We will verify you have completed the program then sign/endorse the form(s) and mail to DPI. Be sure to enclose your check made out to DPI or a signed credit card form. You don't need to send an envelope made out to DPI, we will do that part! 

What do I do if I'm not working as a library/media specialist? Do I still have to earn my 902 Professional within 3-5 years?

No, if you are not employed as a library media specialist you can extend your initial license. According to DPI, "the Initial Educator License is a five-year non-renewable license unless the individual has not been employed in his/her license category for at least three years within the five-year period. If an educator chooses not to work or cannot find a position, the Initial Educator License may be renewed with an application/fee at the end of the five-year period."

Are there job openings in this field, and where do I find them?

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction projects that significant numbers of Library Media Specialists will retire within the next five years. At the present time, approximately ninety emergency licenses have been issued to people working in Library Media Centers while completing certification requirements.

Despite frugal budgeting in school districts in recent years, 95% of UW-Oshkosh Library/Media graduates have found positions in schools.

To access job listings in Library Media, access the state web site at www.Wisconsin.gov. Then, choose "Employment in Wisconsin " at the right of the screen. Under "Categories," choose Education. Under "Subcategories," check both K-12, Library Services and Libraries, K-12 Libraries.

Professional Links

• WEMTA -- Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association
• AASL -- American Association of School Librarians
• Applying for your Library Media License (DPI Site with License Application Information)
• DPI FAQ Page - Application Instructions