Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S. School Library Media Coordinator Concentration

The master of library science degree (M.L.I.S./M.L.S.) is an entry-level requirement for all North Carolina public school librarians. The M.L.I.S. degree with school library licensure allows individuals to apply for licensure to work in public schools but also in any area of the library and information profession where a MLIS degree is required. Prospective students interested in the M.L.I.S. degree with school library licensure should apply through the UNCG Graduate School for the M.L.I.S.-M.Lic. 076 concentration.

The M.L.I.S. emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field. The degree requires 36 semester hours and is accredited by the American Library Association. Licensure for several career tracks in North Carolina public schools is approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Graduates can qualify for the North Carolina Public Library Certification. The M.L.I.S. is interdisciplinary and students come to it with a wide variety of undergraduate preparation. Many have worked in libraries as undergraduates or as paraprofessionals and feel that they are ready for leadership in information organizations.

Program Distinctions

• Our Library and Information Science program has been nationally accredited by the American Library Association.
• Licensure program approved by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction.
• Our program has been ranked “Best Online Masters” by College Choice and “Best Online Masters in Library Science” by Affordable Colleges Online. 
• Our School Library Program has been ranked #1 in North Carolina and #8 in the nation by US News & World Report

The Student Experience

• M.L.I.S. students take core courses in topics such as Foundations of Library Science, Information Sources and Services, Library Administration and Management, and Information Organization and Access.
• The Library and Information Science program works with information organizations where their students reside to provide meaningful practicums, capstone, and volunteer opportunities.

After Graduation

• The M.L.I.S. with 076 licensure prepares students for positions of leadership in academic, public, school, and special libraries, as well as a variety of roles in both public and private agencies and cultural organizations as information specialists.
• The M.L.I.S. with 076 School Library Media Coordinator licensure program emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field and prepares students for positions as a School Library Media Coordinator in schools in North Carolina and across the country. 
• The School Library Media Coordinator is a school-level professional who may be identified as School Librarian, Teacher Librarian, School Library Media Specialist,or School Library Media coordinator.
• Students completing this program will be eligible to apply for a K-12 teaching license as a Library Media Coordinator through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and eligible to transfer licensure to other states.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Licensure Reciprocity Information

Check out our ILRS Jobs Board to see current job announcements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Program Course Requirements
• Program Customization
• Three-Year Course Plan
• Want more information? Sign up for our monthly information session! 
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you may apply at any time, and begin your program during either the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.
• Public school librarians in North Carolina must have a master’s degree in library and information science. Additionally, school librarians are licensed as teachers. As is true for the M.L.I.S. degree on the whole, any undergraduate preparation is appropriate.

All LIS Licensure Candidates are required to:

• Submit a Candidate Agreement form to the program coordinator.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Archive all course assignments required as evidence for accreditation and post them to your final portfolio by the last semester of the program.
• Score 2 or above on all supervisor evaluations.
• Receive a satisfactory evaluation on the practicum.
• Submit to a criminal background check before completing LIS 691, 692, or 693.
• To obtain final licensure the School Librarian Praxis # 5312 must be taken with a passing score of 154 through ETS.