What you will study
Whether you complete our K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate on its own
or together with a graduate degree, UCM will help you develop a strong foundation
in library science and information services that complements and builds upon your
existing skills.
Core coursework includes:
- Foundations of Librarianship: This introductory class helps contextualize the rest of the program. Learn about the
development of libraries as institutions and how today’s librarians serve patrons
and modern society.
- Developing and Managing Collections: Study library policies, intellectual freedom and diversity in relation to the development
and curation of library collections.
- Library Administration and Leadership: Examine the principles of leadership and administration as they apply to professional
school librarians today.
- Organizing Information: Learn how school librarians organize, process and retrieve library information through
precise cataloging and classification systems.
Unique learning opportunities in school librarianship
One of the best ways to build your librarianship skills is through hands-on learning.
UCM’s K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate includes coursework with assignments
that have practical applications in the professional world:
- Educational technology: Study with our renowned faculty who are experts in library science to learn how school
librarians acquire, create and use information. You’ll receive training in the tools
school librarians use to teach and assess learning, as well as to manage the library
itself.
- Practical skills development: Expand your knowledge of daily practices for library leaders with hands-on assignments
in budgeting, collection curation and special collections development.
- Management and leadership: Hone your leadership and administrative skills by learning how to manage libraries
and staff members. You’ll also collaborate with schoolteachers on curriculum development
and lesson planning and offer library research instruction for students.
What can you do with a graduate certificate in K–12 School Librarianship from UCM?
UCM’s K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate program is a pathway for Missouri
teachers to earn library science certification, qualifying you for a wider range of
job opportunities. You’ll also gain transferable skills, including how to effectively
use today’s educational technology.
Most students who complete this graduate certificate go on to careers as a school
librarian. The information management and leadership skills you’ll acquire from our
graduate program will also make you more effective in your current classroom or administrative
role.
Students who already have a master's degree in any field can also apply this graduate
certificate to UCM's Ed.S. in Professional Leadership - Librarianship Option.
Librarianship careers
Use the interactive tool below to find out more about job outlooks, career growth,
salary potential and more for professionals trained in library science and information
services.
Financial assistance options for your K–12 School Librarianship graduate certificate
At the University of Central Missouri, we offer some of the nation’s best financial
support for our students. Our financial advisors will help you find ways to pay for grad school, ensuring your goals are attainable — and affordable. UCM is proud to be recognized
by LendEDU as a top-ranked university for low student debt.
We’ll help you choose the best financial aid resources for your needs, including scholarships,
grants and loans to help you cover the cost of your K–12 School Librarianship graduate
certificate. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for program-specific scholarships
reserved for students in our Library Science and related programs.
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Dr. René Burress
Associate professor and program coordinator
Dr. Burress is a UCM alumna, with both an M.S. in Library Science and an Ed.S. in
Learning Resources from our program. She also holds a Ph.D. in Library and Information
Management from Emporia State University. School Librarianship students benefit from
her extensive experience as a school librarian, educator and researcher.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. Jenna Kammer
Assistant professor and library science expert
Dr. Kammer is a seasoned reference librarian and instructional designer with a Ph.D.
from the University of Missouri. At UCM, she teaches classes in library technology,
information literacy, reference sources and services and action research. She enhances
UCM students’ experiences with her attention to serving diverse populations and research
in instructional design.
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Mission
The Library Science and Information Services program disseminates knowledge that transforms
students into library leaders who possess the knowledge, skills and confidence to
succeed in all types of libraries.
Vision
The Library Science and Information Services program aspires to provide transformational
education by creating an inclusive learning community that connects learners worldwide
with practitioners in their field of study.
Admission requirements
Acceptance into the certificate program requires:
- undergraduate degree in any area from an accredited institution
- 2.50 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
- completion of an online application through the Office of Graduate Studies
Accreditations and Accolades
UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri
Nationally recognized by the American Association of School Librarians
2018 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Library Science Degrees
