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SLM specialization

School Library specialists work closely with classroom teachers and provide direct instruction to students, fostering information literacy across multiple formats. SI offers an integrated program including an ALA accredited master’s degree with a K-12 teaching certificate and library endorsement. Students who already have an ALA-accredited degree and/or a teaching certificate may complete necessary coursework on a non-degree seeking basis to obtain the full credentials for a career in school library media.

What can I do with a career interest in school library media?

MSI graduates with a specialization in SLM are qualified for professional information and/or technology positions in K-12 education. Michigan’s rigorous program requirements make it easier for graduates to transfer their school media endorsement to other states.

Career Titles: School Media Information Specialist, School Librarian, Software Support Specialist, Director of Education Technology Resources, Technology Outreach Coordinator, Instructional Media Coordinator, Education Technology Specialist, Children's Librarian, Media Center Director

Employment Outlook: Nationally there is strong demand for professionals in K12 school library positions and in education technology. If you have interest in a specific geographic location, contact the State Board of Education and/or school district(s) of interest to learn about future career opportunities.

SLM internships

SLM internships/student teaching placements have included:

• Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Ypsilanti Public Schools
• Saline Community Schools
• Dexter Community Schools
• Chelsea Community Schools
• Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

MSI-SLM employment outcomes

Organizations employing MSI - SLM graduates have included:

• Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
• Alexandria City Public Schools
• Lake Orion Community Schools
• Notre Dame Academy
• Hawken School
• Ann Arbor District Library
• Dexter Community Schools
• Ypsilanti Public Library
• West Bloomfield Community Schools
• University Hills Elementary School

SLM specialization requirements (current for 2011-2012)

In addition to the specialization requirements below, SLM students must meet all of the degree requirements of the 48-credit MSI program, including foundations, distributions, practical engagement, cognate, and electives. In addition to the courses below students need 9 credits of foundations coursework and a 3 credit methods course to reach 48 credits and meet all MSI degree requirements.

Students completing the SLM specialization for the MSI degree are required to take the following courses:

• SI 620: Collection Development & Management (3 credits)
• SI 624: Media for Children & Young Adults (3 credits)
• SI 638: School Library Media Management (3 credits) (also counts for management distribution)
• SI 643: Professional Practice in Libraries and Information Centers (3 credits)
• SI 647: Information Resources & Services (3 credits) 
• SI 666: Organization of Information Resources (3 credits)

Additional required courses for students who already have their teacher certificate:

• ED 575: Information Literacy for Teaching and Learning (this course is cross-listed with SI-641)(Required).
• SI 690: Internship/Field Experience (3 credits in Media Center)(Required).

Students who don’t have a teaching certification must also complete the following courses offered by the UM School of Education in order before taking EDUC 650:

• ED 402: Reading and Writing in Content Areas (3 credits)
• ED 606: Developmental  & Psychological Perspectives on Education (3 credits)
• ED 649: Foundational Perspectives on Educational Reform (3 credits)
• ED 575 Instructional Design for Information Skills (3 credits)
• *ED 650 Reflective Teaching Field Experience (6 credits; also counts for SI-690).

Note: Additional Education courses may be needed to meet requirements for a teachable minor. Please consult Education advisor.

Students who already have an ALA accredited master’s degree from SI or elsewhere, or who have both an ALA accredited master’s and a teaching certification, may submit transcripts (and if relevant, a resume indicating professional experience) for evaluation to determine course requirements. Coursework older than 5 years is not typically usable.

The SLM faculty coordinator for the 2011-12 academic year is Kristin Fontichiaro. Please contact if you have questions or wish to have your transcript evaluated,

If you wish to have your transcript evaluated for education course requirements, please contact Lisa Clark at ljclark@umich.edu.

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