School Library Information Specialist (SLIS) in Language and Literacy (M.Ed. C.A.S., M.S. Ed.)
Program Description:
The National-Louis University School Library Information Specialist course sequence resides within the Language and Literacy Graduate Programs. SLIS includes courses currently offered in the Reading, Language and Literacy, Technology in Education graduate programs and School Library Information Specialist (RLS) courses.
The SLIS courses cover values of librarianship including service, intellectual freedom and access to resources for all students; history and philosophy of school librarianship; national standards in information literacy; and state and national learning standards. Concepts of organization of knowledge, collection development, program administration and advocacy align the course content with ISBE content area standards. Children’s and young adult literature, reading comprehension, integrating technology and language arts across the curriculum, and using the Internet in the K–12 classrooms are also included in the strand.
This unique approach to the School Library Information Specialist ISBE content area standards prepares educators in the areas of school librarianship; literature and reading; and technology in education. The goal of this course sequence is to prepare Illinois educators to meet the needs and vision of the 21st century school learning community through the school library.
This course sequence is available to prospective graduate students interested in learning more about the role of school libraries and school librarians in education. Public librarians interested in the school liaison role and educators and administrators interested in learning more about the school library are welcome to join with those who are intending on seeking positions in school libraries.
How You Will Learn:
The School Library Information Specialist courses are taught using both cohort model and traditional on-campus registration. In the cohort model, you go through the program with the same group of 12-20 students in a predetermined set of courses. In traditional on-campus registration, you pace your own course of studies. In both instances, the careful sequence of courses provides support and friendship of fellow students throughout the program. The courses are taught in two delivery styles–weekly on campus and hybrid delivery. The weekly on campus courses meet one day a week for the ten week quarter. The hybrid delivery courses meet for a full day at the beginning and end of the quarter with the remainder of the course taken using online software.
What You Will Learn:
- How to develop a clear understanding of the mission of a library media program.
- How to teach research skills, integrate information literacy across the curriculum, and foster lifelong learning.
- How to plan, teach and manage a school library media program.
- How to incorporate both a strong literature focus and research curriculum in the school library media program.
- How to collaborate with teachers, administrators, and the greater school learning community.
- How to be an educational leader and advocate for school library media programs.
- How to develop and maintain high quality print, non-print, and electronic collections for K-12 school library centers.
- How to apply management principles to the functions of the school library media center.
- How to organize bibliographic, intellectual and physical access to materials.
Where You Can Take the Program:
The School Library Information Specialist program is offered at the Chicago, Lisle, Skokie (North Shore) and Wheeling Campuses. The course sequence will be available on the following pattern: Fall–Chicago campus; Winter–Lisle and North Shore campuses; Spring–Wheeling campus.
