How to Become a School Media Specialist
School media specialist is the title given to librarians who choose to work in the K-12 academic environment. In addition to the general education required to become a librarian in a public or specialty library, school media specialists are also expected to fulfill the requirements necessary to work in an environment that caters to school aged children. The steps below will put you on the right path to obtaining school media specialist certification no matter what state you live in, or at what type of school you wish to work.
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Instructions
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Obtain an undergraduate degree. Focusing on Education in the K-12 environment is your most viable option. You will be required to obtain your masters degree in Library and Information Science after obtaining your bachelors degree in order to become a media specialist. While a degree in Education is not a necessity to enter library school, a teaching certificate is often required to work in as a media specialist in a school that caters to children and young adults ages K-12.
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Apply to an accredited library school. Make sure the schools you apply to have a strong program focusing on the school media specialist criteria. There are usually additional requirements necessary to become a school media specialist certified as opposed to becoming a librarian in a public or specialty library.
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Learn about the special requirements that becoming a school library media specialist entails. Each school and state is different---a teaching certificate (in addition to a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Library and Information Science) is usually a minimum qualification.
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Enroll in library science classes that focus on K-12 education. Once admitted and enrolled in a Master of Library and Information Science program you will be expected to pick an area of specialization.
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Work with your school's career services office to obtain an internship/co-op in a school library while enrolled in graduate school. Not only will this ensure that you are on a career path that is right for you, but will give you experience to put on your resume when you graduate.
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