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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Frequently Asked Questions

Minnesota School Library Media Specialist Licensure at SCSU's Center for Information Media

Updated: 9/8/07

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(Note: Links within the answers open in a new browser window.)

How do I obtain a license as a school library media specialist?

In Minnesota the license is called "Library Media Specialist" (LMS) and you need to have an authorized institution certify that you meet the competencies established by the state. At St. Cloud State University, the Center for Information Media (CIM), a unit in the College of Education, is authorized to certify individuals for licensure as Library Media Specialists.

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What are the employment prospects for a school library media specialist?

The State [http://education.state.mn.us/] annually surveys school administrators regarding teacher supply and demand in Minnesota. LMS is one of the areas where Minnesota districts experienced difficulty filling positions for the 2005-06 school year. The report is available online (Adobe Acrobat Reader required for viewing): http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Communications/documents/Report/030485.pdf.

For a quick glance at some current education related openings, including those for school library media specialists, follow this link to SCSU's Career Services web site: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/joblistings/edpost/

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What's this test that's required for licensure?

The state now requires prospective licensees to pass a test of their specialty's skills before granting the license. Therefore all students applying for the LMS licensure will have to take the "Subject Matter/Content Test - Praxis II: Library Media Specialist". (If the LMS licensure is your initial teaching license, you must also take the "Test of Professional Knowledge - Praxis II".) Note: Apparently folks were doing so well on the LMS test they raised the 'cut' score. The Board of Teaching raised the PRAXIS II Content passing scores effective September 1, 2006 to 630 (the old passing score was 540).

Information is available on the Minnesota page at: http://www.ets.org/praxis/prxmn.html, a part of Educational Testing Service's web site. General information about the testing program is listed in the Praxis Series 2007-2008 Registration Bulletin which is available as a PDF file (Adobe Acrobat required for reading): http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/0361.pdf Also available is the basic "Library Media Specialist" test preparation booklet (PDF file): http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01360.pdf An extensive test preparation book: School Leaders and Services Study Guide (Test Codes: 0310 0400 0410 0420) is also available for purchase from the the ETS Store.

The 2009-10 test dates are:

Test date: Registration deadline: Score report date:
11/14/09 10/15/09 12/15/09
1/9/10 12/10/09 2/9/10
3/13/10 2/11/10 4/13/10
4/24/10 3/25/10 5/25/10
6/12/10 5/13/10 7/13/10
7/21/10 6/24/10 8/24/10
     

** Be sure to specify SCSU as a score recipient when you complete the test information!**

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What other licensure(s) do I need to have to be a school Library Media Specialist?

The short answer is, "None." The long answer is: The licensure rules (promulgated mid-1999 by the Mn Board of Teaching) changed the requirement somewhat. In the past to be licensed required that you first hold a valid Minnesota teaching license (be a teacher of some grade level or subject), then obtain the LMS competencies set forth by the State to receive licensure in the additional area.

The current rule (found at: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/8710/4550.html) made a subtle but fundamental change to this approach. Now to be licensed the candidate needs to first "...demonstrate the standards for effective practice for licensing of beginning teachers..." (known as the SEP). This wording refers to the basic pedagogical knowledge held in common by all teachers that is foundational to ALL teaching specialties. Of course, teachers presently holding a valid Minnesota teaching license meet the rule's requirements by virtue of the training they received to obtain their initial license. This part remains essentially the same as before. (If you have NOT completed a teacher training program leading to licensure, see next question.)

For school library media specialists, then, the other requirement is to "...show verification of completing a Board of Teaching preparation program...leading to the licensure of library media specialists..." It is this wording that makes it possible for a teacher to have LMS as their initial and/or only teaching licensure.

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What if I don't have a teaching license?

As explained above you DO need to be "licensable" as a teacher to qualify for a school library media specialist license. That is, you must undergo a teacher preparation program that qualifies you for "initial licensure" as a teacher -- library media specialist being simply another K-12 teaching specialty, similar to other K-12 licensures such as Art, Music or Phy Ed. In our case this means you would need to complete SCSU's teacher training course sequence intended for those seeking initial teacher licensure. By and large these courses are on-campus and, for undergraduates, offered in the daytime.

If you want to pursue library media specialist for your initial teaching licensure at SCSU we will first refer you to our Teacher Development department to formulate an individualized program for meeting the State's "standards of effective practice" mentioned above. For students already having an undergraduate degree the majority of the needed courses do have graduate level equivalents (some daytime and some evening). At that point we would set up a licensure "contract" (see below) that would include the needed ED and related course work for the SEP plus the IM course work specific to the SLMS licensure.

My strong recommendation would be to pursue full licensure with a teacher training institution as a teacher of something related to your undergraduate major -- taking only that course work that applies directly to being licensed in that area. Then (concurrently if feasible) pursue whatever other course work we'd require for full licensure as a school library media specialist. You'd then have two licenses-- an important bulwark against future cutbacks that could conceivably affect you negatively should you have only the one license.

If you already have a bachelors degree and attending SCSU is not practical for you, U of Mn, Mankato, and some of the privates (for example: Hamline, Augsburg, St. Thomas, St. Catherine) have established formal graduate initial licensure teacher certification programs-- the courses are set up for post-baccalaureate students but cover the essentials of teaching methods, curriculum, etc., necessary for initial teaching licensure in a variety of teaching fields. The Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) offers a searchable database of teacher licensure programs across the state. If you seek out an alternative program, stay in touch with the licensure adviser as there may be one or two course choices within such a program that could do double-duty as courses for media licensure.

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What are the steps involved in pursuing licensure thru the Center for Information Media?

Supposing you already have a valid Minnesota teaching license and, possibly, prior course work that could apply, set up a "contract" with the licensure adviser that specifies the courses you will need to complete in order for SCSU's Center for Information Media to certify you as a Library Media Specialist. Accomplishing this often requires a meeting with the adviser, though many, if not all, details can be taken care of via e-mail, phone, mail, and fax.

If you are not pursuing a Masters Degree with us (see below), the contract becomes your plan for accomplishing licensure. There is no formal admission process so you can begin taking classes as soon as registration opens for the next semester.

Here is a link to the licensure program plan options for those already in possession of a teaching license. For those NOT in possession of a teaching license, here is a link to a basic licensure/degree program planning grid.

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What classes do I need? How long will it take to obtain licensure? How do I register? How much will it cost?

For someone with no previous preparation (courses and other relevant experiences other than those required for initial teacher licensure) and seeking certification through us, the complete sequence would be 29 semester credits in 11 courses. These courses' objectives and content are "mapped" onto the competencies spelled out in licensure rule.

Library Media Specialist licensure does not require a masters degree, though many seek out the degree given the number of courses involved, and we encourage that course of action since it's "only" 6-9 more credits of course work.

If you took 3 to 4 courses per semester (9-12 crs.), you could certainly finish in less than two years, possibly in one if you weren't pursuing a degree and the course sequencing "fell" into place through the regular semesters and summers. We recently published a course offerings plan to help in planning a sequence leading to licensure, certificates and degrees. Course schedules for upcoming semesters can be found by searching [Fall/Spring/Summer] - Information Media - Graduate at: http://www5.stcloudstate.edu/courseschedule/Search.asp

This is the complete sequence for licensure --remember, you may not need to take all of them:

  • (Prereq) A high comfort level with computers, i.e. general application software & Internet skills with Mac or Windows OS.
    Suggested course work: IM 245 or IM 554, or other skills-focused course covering computer applications
  • IM 502 Information Media: Theory, Research, and Practice 2 cr.
  • IM 620 The School Library Media Program 2 cr.
  • IM 504 Instructional Design I 3 cr.
  • IM 552 Access to Information 3 cr.
  • IM 555 Design and Prep of Multimedia Presentations I, OR
       IM 562 Design and Production of Video Media 3 cr.
  • IM 612 Technologies in the Workplace 3 cr.
  • IM 622 Media Selection and Evaluation for Children and Young Adults 2 cr.
  • IM 623 Reading, Listening and Viewing Guidance 2 cr.
  • IM 624 Organization of Information Resources 3 cr.
  • IM 628 Administration of Media 3 cr.
  • IM 682 School Library Media Specialist Practicum (200 hrs) 1-3 cr.

Here are links to licensure course descriptions, possible course work sequences, and a degree program planning grid describing the possible routes to licensure for those also seeking a degree (links open in a new browser window or tab).

If you have taken courses from SCSU in the past, you can register for classes using SCSU's online registration system. If you have not taken any courses at SCSU (or have not taken graduate courses here), you use the online form for entering necessary "first-timer" information. When registration for the next semester opens, you will be able to register for classes usng the system. For costs (graduate credit) see the online SCSU Graduate Bulletin information at http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/gb/financial/tuition.html.

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As a licensure student, I am a "non-degree" student (so I don't register until last!)?

Initially (unless you are an SCSU graduate) you are classified as a "special student" that doesn't get much in the way of "special" treatment. Sorry. Usually summer session classes and graduate only (600 level) are not as heavily attended so space isn't often a great consideration for them.

Go Huskies! Students who have received a degree from SCSU are entitled to priority registration status and therefore can register during the priority registration period as specified in the "When to register" registration information section. Also, when admitted to a graduate degree or certificate program you receive priority registration.

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Could I do some sort of transfer thing, transferring the credits to SCSU later, or is this really messy?

You can certainly avail yourself of classes offered by any accredited institution--as long as they match up with our courses, which, in turn, are mapped onto the state's competencies for library media specialist licensure. You and the licensure adviser devise a plan (i.e., the licensure contract) that lists the SCSU courses you will need. Check with the adviser (e-mail or phone) for substitutions. One of the reasons you can substitute is that you are not in a degree program (i.e., Master's, etc.), just pursuing competencies for licensure from the state. If you are not pursuing a degree, courses can be taken from other institutions (with approval from the licensure adviser) in combination with our courses.

When you complete the licensure application packet (see below) you will need to have all institutions at which you completed licensure course work send us official transcripts. When we review your contract for fulfillment we check for successful completion of all specified courses --or their agreed upon equivalents.

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When/Where do classes meet, typically?

Our course offerings plan can help in planning a sequence leading to licensure, certificates and degrees. During the fall and spring semesters all courses are evenings (once a week) or weekends (four Friday evenings and Saturdays, all-day). During the summer classes are all daytime, Monday thru Thursday.

We also offer one or two courses fairly consistently via interactive television (ITV) to remote sites. For the upcoming semester's off-campus offerings you can check with the University's Center for Continuing Studies: WWWeb - http://www.stcloudstate.edu/continuingstudies (follow the "Schedules & Registration" links), or e-mail: ccs@stcloudstate.edu, ph. 320-308-3081, FAX 320-308-5041.

CIM also maintains an electronic mailing list (sometimes referred to as a "listserv") that you can join so that we can e-mail you information about the program as needed. One of the items we do regularly is send out our tentative and final course schedules for upcoming semesters using this e-mail list. If you would like to subscribe to this service, follow the instructions below:

  1. Send a blank e-mail message (from the e-mail account you want to use to receive CIM news) to:
    CIM_grad_L-join@lists.stcloudstate.edu
  2. You will receive a message back asking for confirmation.
  3. Reply to that message.

We are often asked these days about online courses. At the present time CIM does not offer any of the licensure courses "totally online". There are significant social / pedagogical / methodological issues involved that are not adequately addressed by online teaching techniques (as currently practiced). Obviously, as a technologically forward-looking discipline, we utilize the Internet and the World Wide Web to a significant degree in all our work (including this FAQ!). As the means and methods of online delivery of course content continue to mature, CIM will certainly adopt sound and effective practices using distance education learning technology applications (DELTA).

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What if I want to obtain a Masters Degree from SCSU?

These are separate, albeit parallel, pursuits. The first step in starting a Masters Degree is to contact SCSU's School of Graduate Studies. See the Graduate Studies web site for application information: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/ or contact via e-mail: graduatestudies@stcloudstate.edu. If you decide to pursue a degree (a decision that should wait for no more than one semester), you will be assigned a graduate adviser once you are admitted to the program. Until then, the licensure adviser can help you out with the preliminaries of the licensure process. If you intend to pursue licensure only, then you will (continue) to consult with the licensure adviser.

All courses needed for licensure are in the "Program Two: Educational Media" masters program. However, you need to be (at least) in the process of entering the Masters program for courses to count towards completion of the masters (beyond an initial semester's worth of courses). So, IF you are thinking of a masters, begin the process of applying so all your courses apply towards a program, instead of "just" towards licensure. The distinction can be subtle, which is why it's emphasized now.

Additionally, you get priority registration for courses when you're "in" a masters program--otherwise (as a "special" student) you register dead last.

See our course offerings at http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/gb/programs/im.asp for more info on the various masters programs.

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What if I already have a Masters in another field (Librarianship, for example)?

See above regarding degree programs. School Library Media Specialist encompasses both technology (multimedia production, computers, etc.) and "traditional" librarianship (cataloging, reference, reader's advisory, etc.) along with graduate level work in education like instructional design, curriculum, administration, etc. Tell the adviser about your previous preparation to give him/her an idea about which courses may need refreshers. It's likely that some of your prior work/school could apply.

If you chose to, you could get a second masters from us (that would include all your licensure work) so you would have two masters-- for example, MLS and Masters in Education (Information Media major). This could be useful if you were interested in work in a post-secondary institution.

The primary issue is for you to establish your basic teacher licensure bona fides (known as "being able to demonstrate the Standards of Effective Practice" [the SEP]). You need two entities to agree on two separate but inextricably intertwined things:

  1. Someone has to say to MnBOT that you can "demonstrate the standards for effective practice for licensing of beginning teachers" -- Our department cannot do that. For that we would refer you to SCSU's Teacher Development department.
  2. Someone [else] has to say that you can "show verification of completing a Board of Teaching preparation program...leading to the licensure of library media specialists..." --this we CAN do in CIM.

As already stated above, my strong recommendation would be to pursue full licensure with a teacher training institution as a teacher of something related to your undergraduate major (perhaps)-- taking only that course work that applies directly to being licensed in that area. Then (concurrently if feasible) pursue whatever other course work we'd require for full licensure as a school library media specialist. You'd then have two licenses-- an important bulwark against future cutbacks that could conceivably affect you negatively should you only have the one license. If you want to pursue library media as a standalone license with us (SCSU) then we'll have to hook you up with our Teacher Development department to see what they'd require to recommend you as meeting the SEP.

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What about "provisional" licensure? What's a "personnel variance"?

The State has recently (Summer 2006) instituted a new type of licensure called a "Nonrenewable License" for people seeking to work outside their present licensure area while they complete a program that leads to full licensure. The 'nonrenewable' license is similar to the old 'provisional' licensure in that the individual applies, pays for and receives an actual license for the position he/she is going to be filling, good for three years. Among the requirements for the application is that the individual must be in an approved program leading to full licensure. Towards that end we should set up a 'contract' as per this FAQ so that you can document your involvement with a licensure program.

Alternatively, your administrator can get a "personnel variance" for one year (renewable annually for an additional two years) for you to be the school library media specialist. It's likely your administrator is interested in seeing you commit to a licensure program before they ask for the variance so, once again, setting up a licensure contract is a good idea.

There are some other employment conditions spelled out in the rules that need to be addressed as well. The nonrenewable license rule is found at: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/8710/1410.html --and the personnel variance rule is found at: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/8710/1400.html

After completion of the other licensure requirements, you can obtain full licensure, even before finishing your masters program if you are pursuing one.

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I have been told that St. Cloud is the only college/university in Minnesota which offers the necessary program. Is this true?

Minnesota State University - Mankato, College of St. Catherine (Twin Cities), and College of St. Scholastica (Duluth) also offer licensure programs. We're about as close as you can get in the central Minnesota area (incl. the northern TC area). We also offer several courses via ITV each semester. Courses from other institutions can also be used for licensure (get approval from the licensure adviser first). The others are certainly options and you would need to contact them for the particulars.

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How can I find out more about the school media profession?

Here's a couple of ideas:

  • Call up a school in the area and ask for the media person in charge and see if you can drop by for a talk.
  • Check the web site for the professional organization of school library media people here in Minnesota: MEMO [http://www.memoweb.org]
  • Subscribe to the mailing list for Minnesota media people and "listen in" to the messages being exchanged.
    Subscription Information:
    1. To subscribe to the 'MEMOList' mailing list, use this link: http://v2.listbox.com/subscribe/?listname=memolist@v2.listbox.com
    2. Put in the full e-mail address where you want to get your MEMOList mailings.
    3. A message will be sent to that address immediately explaining how to 'confirm' your subscription to the list.
  • Another VERY active national library/media mailing list is LM-NET. Following the same procedure as above, send the message:
    subscribe lm-net putYourFirstName  andLastNameHere to listserv@listserv.syr.edu to join.
  • Visit the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) web site [http://www.ala.org/aasl/index.html].

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What about work in other libraries (other than school media centers)? What about ALA accreditation?

Since we don't offer a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree accredited by the American Library Association, your options outside of school media are conditional upon the prospective employer's flexibility in considering an IM Masters degree in Education as equivalent for hiring purposes. You will (in that situation) always need to overcome the perception that accreditation = ability/quality exclusively. You need to be cognizant of this and be certain of your career goals, a priori. That being said, we have lots of graduates who found work in "other" libraries--mostly in Minnesota where lack of an ALA program combined with our forward-looking approach to information services combine to make our graduates attractive and successful practitioners, particularly in public libraries.

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I soon will be / am already working in a media center. Can I use this experience in lieu of the IM 682 practicum?

Most likely you will be able to waive some of the practicum credits by documenting your on-site experiences. However, since the licensure is K-12 you will need to provide evidence of experience representative of all levels of service. Start keeping a portfolio of the day-to-day as well as the special projects you're doing so that when you document your equivalent educational experience you have stuff to remind you of all the great things you've done so you can tell us about them in a coherent and comprehensive fashion in the narrative. You don't necessarily need to log each and every day's work, but you should be able to list what duties you typically perform as well as the special projects / acquisitions / accomplishments that, together, document your performance as an practicing library/media specialist and that address the licensure rule's specific competencies. It's easy to forget, or to just assume, how much work we do. This way you can produce a well-written and documented equivalent educational experience.

As a general rule dealing with the practicum is one of the concluding steps in your pursuit of licensure. Contact the LMS Practicum coordinator when you are ready to begin planning your practicum at: cim@stcloudstate, 320-308-2062. At that time you can also request the form and instructions from our dept secretary, Lucy, at lsupan@stcloudstate.edu.

For the practicum itself you must work with (i.e., alongside, in consultation with) a licensed school library media specialist, performing (as much as possible) the normal duties of the media person in that school.

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I'm all (but) done with courses! What do I do next?

Once you have completed your course work (or are near the end of the last courses you'll need) AND you have received a score for the State mandated Praxis test(s) (see above), it's time to start the ball rolling on your application for the actual LMS license. Here's how it works:

  1. Send an e-mail to our department secretary Lucy Supan (lsupan@stcloudstate.edu) requesting the "school LMS license application packet" -- Be sure to include your mailing address!
  2. The packet you receive will contain the State's form and our instructions for completing the application packet.
  3. Complete the form and assemble all the other necessary documents (copy of present teaching license [if you hold one], test score report, license fee check). Request official transcripts from all the schools listed on your contract as having courses counted towards your licensure. Note: Transcripts must be sent directly to us by the registrar(s).
  4. Send us all the stuff you have assembled. We'll match it up with the transcripts as they come in.
  5. Once the packet is complete, we will review it to make certain you have met all the course work requirements and then forward it to SCSU's licensing officer with a recommendation that it be approved and submitted to the State.
  6. At that point, all you can do is wait. The process can take awhile--at least several work weeks, more likely 4 - 6 weeks. You should receive your LMS license in the mail. (and "Congratulations!" --in advance.)

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How can I reach/see the licensure adviser?

The current school LMS licensure adviser is Luther Rotto. Give him a call and leave a message (320-308-4770) or e-mail LRotto@stcloudstate.edu with further questions.

His office is Room 110F, Miller Learning Resources Center [aka "The Library"]. It's the (new and fabulous) brick building immediately visible as you drive past campus on Fifth Avenue, occupying the blocks between 6th and 7th Street.

For a map go to http://www.stcloudstate.edu/campusmap and then "zoom in" to see the routes/campus/buildings/parking, etc. You can also check our web site http://www.stcloudstate.edu/cim/ for more information.

For other information using surface mail, FAX or telephone, contact: 

Center for Information Media
St. Cloud State University
110 Miller LRC
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
Tel. 320-308-2062
FAX 320-308-4778

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