School Library and Information Science

The school librarian of today is an engaged leader, manager, and advocate for learning in the school and an active teaching member of the faculty, collaborating with the classroom teacher to integrate information literacy skills into the curriculum. Modeling life long learning, promoting reading, and championing intellectual freedom also figure prominently in the school librarian’s job description. School libraries are a buzz with activity. The days of the lady sitting behind the desk stamping books and saying “shhhh!!” are over! In the morning he/she may be instructing students on how to access and use subject specific websites and databases for their research. In the afternoon he/she may be introducing short story collections to an English class or highlighting novels involving environmental issues with a group of Science students. In between there are individual students and teachers to work with and computer problems to troubleshoot. A librarian's day is filled with a variety of exciting and fulfilling activities.

This program is intended for candidates who plan careers in elementary or secondary school libraries. Candidates planning careers in public, special, or academic settings should seek special advising. For more information about the School Library and Information Science Program please contact Dr. Jane Claes, Assistant Professor, School Library & Information Science; claesj@uhcl.edu (281-283-3537).

The Texas School Librarian Standard Certification (EC-12) can be obtained two ways:

1. For those candidates who hold a master's degree, the School Librarian Core of 27 graduate hours is required, along with a Texas teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience, and a passing score on the Texas Librarian State Assessment test.
2. For those candidates who do not hold a master's degree, the M.S. in School Library and Information Science is a 39-hour program requiring the School Librarian Core of 27 graduate hours, the Professional Education Core of 12 graduate hours, a Texas teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience, and a passing score on the Texas Librarian State Assessment test.