College of Sciences and Humanities
School of Information
www.kent.edu/iSchool

About This Program

Looking to make a difference in K-12 education and library sciences? Kent State University's Master of Library and Information Science degree with a School Library Media focus is the perfect way to jump start your career. You will gain practical skills and hands-on experience that prepare you for professional positions in public, private and charter schools, as well as special libraries and other information agencies. Pair the M.L.I.S. with the M.Ed. in Educational Technology for even more opportunities. Read more...

Contact Information

• Meghan Harper | iSchool@kent.edu |
  330-672-2782

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

The M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12 is approved by the American Library Association and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vita
• Student profile form²
• Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
• Application essay, see guidelines below
• Two letters of recommendation³
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:⁴
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

²

The student profile form is embedded in the online application.

³

References should be able to attest that the applicant possesses the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from the workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead.

⁴

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Guidelines for the Essay

The application essay showcases an applicant's readiness for graduate-level writing. Applicants should discuss the following questions based on their exploration of the Kent State iSchool website, as well as their own reflection on their academic abilities, experiences and personal qualities. Applicants are welcome to add comments from supplemental research and readings (cite in American Psychological Association [APA] style), observations and experience.

The essay should be fewer than 1,000 words and formatted in APA style. Any content that is not the applicant's own original thoughts must be properly attributed.

The School of Information values highly interdisciplinary synergy with regard to faculty research and teaching, its students and its contributions to the library and information science profession. Applicants should answer the following questions in their essay:

• What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
• What are your aspirations in the field of library and information science?
• What will you contribute to the Kent State iSchool community and to the field as a whole?

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• An electronic portfolio is required to obtain licensure in K-12 School Library Media

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure.  Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer the Ohio Department of Education–Educator Preparation website for information on assessments specific to licensure type. Applicants interested in obtaining school library media licensure or certification outside the state of Ohio should refer to the requirements established by their state education agencies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice in a school library context.
2. Critique, synthesize and apply research in the school librarianship field to assess and address concerns in professional practice.
3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians and the educational environments they work in within the global society.
4. Select, utilize and evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a school librarianship context
5. Identify needs and connect kindergarten-to-grade-12 stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators) and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Dual Degree with M.Ed. in Educational Technology

Student have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology and the M.L.I.S. degree in School Library Media K-12. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

The M.Ed./M.L.I.S. dual degree program leads to a multi-age initial licensure in school library media. This program prepares students to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries. The program of study includes professional educational requirements, along with library science and educational technology courses.

Dual Degree Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students in M.Ed. degree have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.
• Students are responsible for completing licensure paperwork requirements through the College of Education and Human Services near the end of or at the conclusion of their M.L.I.S. degree program. Exam administered by the Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson is required for licensure.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website. for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Full Description

The Master of Library and Information Science degree in School Library Media K-12 prepares students to apply for multi-age licensure in school library media. The program curriculum is based in both practice and theory and includes library science and educational technology courses. The theoretical content is aligned with the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians national standards and the Ohio state standards for school libraries.

Students are given opportunities to apply their learning in practical environments through a culminating experience and other options. Graduates are prepared to work in all types of libraries.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.