Program Overview
School Librarians in the Digital Age: Instructional Leaders at the Heart of All School Learning
The school librarian profession is truly unique. School librarians are the only educators in the school building who are at the center of all school learning. They are certified instructional leaders who manage programs that foster student achievement, critical thinking skills, and lifelong learning. They curate diverse print and digital resources, teach information literacy, and promote a culture of reading.
School librarians connect learning to real-world applications while ensuring equitable access for the entire school community. They collaborate with educators across disciplines, supporting research and innovative technology use, and creating safe, inclusive, flexible in-person and virtual learning environments.
For Practicing Educators and Career Changers
UVM's Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) in School Library and Media Science offers professional preparation to become a licensed school librarian with the skills to create robust learning environments for school communities.
Career outlook for the profession is strong. Like many other states, Vermont has an unfulfilled need for professional school librarians.
Optionally, CGS credits can be applied toward our Advanced Specialties in Educational Practice (ASEP) M.Ed. Conversely, applicable ASEP credits may be applied toward the CGS.
"I’m thankful for the professors who shared their expertise on best practices, for my mentors that coached me to get better and more confident in my knowledge and skill, and for my fellow students who helped create a learning community." – Emily Wood, School Librarian
Online Coursework (18 credits)
Offered over a two-year cycle, courses includes a mix of asynchronous online work and opportunities to engage in a professional learning community through synchronous sessions. Designed for those with or without teacher certification, the CGS includes six graduate-level courses:
- EDLI 6720 Managing and Leading School Library Media Centers (FALL)
- EDLI 6730 Developing and Organizing School Library Media Center Collections (SPRING)
- EDLI 6770 Information Technologies for School Library Media Centers (SUMMER)
- EDLI 6760 Information Sources and Services for School Library Media Centers (FALL)
- EDLI 6740 Designing Learning in School Library Media Centers (SPRING)
- EDLI 6710 Children’s and Young Adult Literature (SUMMER)
Curriculum and Coursework
Licensing
Our curriculum addresses the essential competencies for School Librarians required by the State of Vermont. Courses reflect current standards for school librarianship as described by the American Association for School Librarians (AASL), the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards (2019), and Vermont Standards for Educators.
Upon successful completion of the program, qualified individuals may request a transcript review by the Vermont Agency of Education. For those seeking to change careers, the school librarian endorsement also has an option for non-educators to enter the profession through transcript review for initial certification.
All participants are encouraged to review the requirements for Vermont Educator Licensure through Transcript Review. For questions, email the Licensing Helpline or call (802) 828-3440.
Contact
Questions? Please email Program Coordinator Deborah Ehler-Hansen at Deborah.Ehler-Hansen@uvm.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
