Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2009-2010 Graduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2009-2010 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

School Library and Information Technologies


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Online Master of Education (M.Ed.), School Library and Information Technologies

Cynthia Keller, Chairperson
717-816-6995 (home office); email
ckeller@mansfield.edu

The mission of the School Library & Information Technologies graduate program is to empower school library media specialists with the skills and knowledge to assume an essential leadership role in their schools as teachers, instructional partners, information specialists, and program managers of library and information services. In developing the program three core documents guided curriculum design: Information Power, the national standards; the Standards for Pennsylvania School Library Certification and Practice, the state school library association standards; and the Pennsylvania Department of Education Library Science Standards for the Preparation of Public School Educators. These guidelines represent the best thinking in the profession and reflect the emerging role of the school library media specialist as a critical educational leader.

To be successful, a school library media specialist will: 1) provide leadership in planning and managing the use of electronic technologies and information retrieval, 2) teach students to access, apply, and evaluate information to solve problems, 3) partner with teachers to design, implement, and assess curriculum and instruction to meet academic standards, 4) select and manage resources to meet the literacy and information needs of students and the curriculum 5) build and oversee a school library program that promotes literacy and information literacy as keys to authentic, lifelong learning for students, and 6) have knowledge of and apply federal laws, state laws and case law to school library practice.

Our online program emphasizes practice-oriented outcomes and offers the learner four significant advantages:

  • Close bonds with faculty who are committed to sharing their many years of practical experience and leadership in the school library community
  • Convenience of online courses designed for working adults who can not attend a traditional library school
  • Close collaboration with practitioners and leaders in the school library community who provide advise in course development
  • Authentic assessment of practical, standards-based skills to enhance the learning experience

The 33 - 35 semester hours of course work serve as an add-on certification program leading to recommendation for library science K-12 certification. Students who are already certified school librarians complete ten 3-credit courses, a 1-credit Introductory Seminar and a 2-credit Seminar for a total of 33 semester hours.  Students without library experience complete the required courses, plus a 100-hour practicum, a 2-credit course for a total of 35 semester hours.  Depending on specific requirements by the student’s state department of education, the practicum requirement may be waived.

Most students can complete the online master’s program in two to three years. A one year completion is possible but not recommended for students holding a job. Students are allowed up to five years to complete the program. Every course is offered at least twice each year. Most courses are offered during summer. For additional information, refer to the website: http://library.mansfield.edu

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