Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

School Library Media ProgramALA Accredited Logo

School librarians impact the present and the future through their work with PreK-12 students. It takes curiosity, discipline, and dedication to be a good school librarian. The University of Tennessee School of Information Sciences offers four options for the School Library Media Specialist endorsement based on previous education and work experience.

Which Option is Right for You?

Choose the option that corresponds to your current situation to view the requirements for your endorsement: OR view our Decision Tree.

  1. I need my initial license, a Master’s of Science in Information Sciences (MSIS), and my PreK-12 School Library Endorsement.
  2. I’m licensed as a teacher, and need an MSIS and my PreK-12 School Library Endorsement.
  3. I have my MSIS, and just need my initial license and PreK-12 School Library Endorsement.
  4. I am currently a licensed Tennessee teacher and I only need the PreK-12 School Library Endorsement to my license

Option 1: I want to gain my initial license, the American Library Association accredited Master’s in Information Science, and my PreK-12 School Library Endorsement.

This option is for those that have never had a teaching license AND do not have an American Library Association accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information sciences. The advising sheet for this option is available in academic advising section on our student resources page, and gives more information about the course titles and when the various courses are taught.

For those who do not hold an American Library Association accredited master’s degree, the requirements for initial licensure and PreK-12 School Library Endorsement include the three required courses (INSC 511, 512, and 514) plus INSC 551, 560, 571, 572, 595, and electives. In addition, students must complete two co-requisite courses from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (six credit hours) that do not count toward the master’s degree requirements, unless you enroll in them for graduate credit. These courses include:

  • Educational Psychology 401 (3 hours) Professional studies: applied educational psychology. Application of concepts, principles, techniques and models from Educational Psychology to facilitate student learning and creation of effective classroom environments.
  • Special Education 402 (3 hours) Characteristics and needs of students with disabilities and diverse learners with emphasis on educational implications. Techniques, strategies and resources for teaching students with special learning, behavioral or medical needs, and the requirements of special education laws.

Upon completion of the requirements, students will earn a Master’s Degree in Information Science and a Tennessee State Department of Education license as a School Librarian.

Option 2: I am currently or have been previously licensed as a teacher and want to gain the ALA-accredited Master’s in Information Science along with the PreK-12 School Library Endorsement.

This option is for those that are currently or have ever been licensed in any state as a teacher but do not hold a Master’s degree in Library or Information Science. The advising sheet for this option is available in academic advising section on our student resources page, and gives more information about the course titles and when the various courses are taught.

The requirements include the three required courses (INSC 511, 512, and 514) plus IS 551, 560, 571, 572, and 596. Students may choose from a variety of electives that include INSC 573, 576, 577, 583, or youth-oriented 590 special topics courses.

Upon completion of the requirements, students will earn a Master’s degree in Information Science and a Tennessee State Department of Education Additional Endorsement as a School Librarian.

Option 3: I want to gain my initial license and the PreK-12 School Library endorsement, but I already have an American Library Association accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science.

This option is for those that have an American Library Association accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science but are not and never have been a licensed teacher. NOTE: We are unable to accept transfer credits from programs that have not been accredited by the American Library Association. The advising sheet for this option is available in academic advising section on our student resources page, and gives more information about the course titles and when the various courses are taught.

For those who hold an ALA-accredited master’s degree (see the note below) and have approval of the faculty advisor, the requirements are a maximum of 21 hours within the school’s program, including the required Information Sciences 595. In addition, students must complete two corequisite courses from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (6 credit hours) beyond the required 24 hours. These courses are listed under Track 1.

The courses required to fulfill this option are determined on an individual basis, upon completion of a transcript evaluation.

Upon completion of the requirements, students will earn a Tennessee State Department of Education license and an Endorsement as a School Librarian.

Option 4: I am currently a licensed Tennessee teacher and want to add only the PreK-12 School Library Endorsement to my license.

This option is for those that are a currently licensed Tennessee classroom teacher who just wants to add the PreK-12 School Library Endorsement to your existing license. The advising sheet for this option is available in academic advising section on our student resources page, and gives more information about the course titles and when the various courses are taught.

Upon graduating from SIS, the school library media certification is transferable to most states across the country. To transfer your certification, simply send your Tennessee license to your “new” home state’s department of education with accompanying transcripts and any relevant information that is required.

A new certification should be granted with no additional courses demanded. Students should still check with their State Department of Education for licensure requirements, to be certain of the direct transfer without additional coursework or requirements.

Graduation from this program, with the full Master’s in Information Science, licensure and the PreK-12 School Library Endorsement qualifies students for jobs in school as well as public libraries, but it also prepares you for job opportunities in many other venues. If you would like to explore the full range of possibilities, contact Dr. Cindy Welch.

If you do not see your situation or you have other questions about anything related to school librarianship, please contact Dr. Cindy Welch (865) 974–7918 for further information.

This option is only available to currently licensed Tennessee teachers, who want to add the PreK-12 School Librarian Endorsement to their existing license. The requirements include the three required courses (INSC 511, 512, 514) plus INSC 551, 560, 571, 572, and INSC 596.

Upon completion of the requirements, students will gain a Tennessee State Department of Education additional endorsement as a Prek-12 School Librarian.

Note: Although you may choose to start with just the endorsement, we strongly encourage every applicant to consider the benefits of pursuing the full Master’s in Information Science. Doing so may open new vistas and job opportunities for you, beyond schools and public libraries.