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SLM specialization

School librarians (also known as school library media specialists) work closely with students, teachers, and administrators to provide and provide leadership in information literacy, research skills, reading comprehension, and technology integration. UMSI 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, the recession has triggered significant budget cuts and staff reductions in America's K-12 public schools.  Despite this, UMSI's SLM graduates are highly-regarded candidates for employment in public, private, independent, and charter schools.  School Library Monthly maintains a list of certification requirements by state.

SLM internships

SLM internships/student teaching placements have included:

• Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Ypsilanti Public Schools
• Saline Community Schools
• Dexter Community Schools
• Brighton Area 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
• Rochester Community Schools

SLM specialization requirements (current for 2012-2013)

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)
• SI 624: Media for Children & Young Adults (3)
• SI 638: School Library Media Management (3) (also counts for management distribution)
• SI 643: Professional Practice in Libraries and Information Centers (3)
• SI 647: Information Resources & Services (3) 
• SI 666: Organization of Information Resources (3)
• EDCURINS 575: Information Literacy for Teaching and Learning (this course is cross-listed with SI 641).

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

• SI 690: Internship/Field Experience (3 credits in Media Center).

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:

• EDUC 402: Reading and Writing in Content Areas (3)
• EDUC 606: Developmental  & Psychological Perspectives on Education (3)
• EDUC 649: Foundational Perspectives on Educational Reform (3)
• *EDUC 650: Student Teaching in School Media Center (6; also counts for SI-690).

Note: The need for additional coursework will be determined by the University of Michigan School of Education's Teacher Education Office.

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 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 Sarah Powers (sarasj@umich.edu) or Kathy Evaldson (evaldson@umich.edu).

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