Library Media and Information Technologies

[1] Objectives

The Master of Science degree in Library Media and Information Technologies is designed to prepare individuals to serve as school librarians in K-12 settings. The program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. Candidates must hold a valid initial educator license to add the library media endorsement to their teaching license through this program. Candidates who do not hold a valid initial educator license must complete six (6) additional hours in professional education courses (MAT 5310 and ITEC 634) to meet the ancillary license requirements.

[2] Program Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the degree program in Library Media and Information Technologies, an individual must

1. Meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School.
2. Provide the department with copies of transcripts of all previous academic work.
3. Submit a valid standard educator license OR a two-page, double-spaced letter of intent that includes reasons for becoming a librarian, reasons for applying to this program, future goals, and three professional references.
4. Submit a completed Program Recommendation by Administrator Form from their principal or superintendent stating his/her understanding that the student(his/her employee) will be completing field work and assignments in their classroom and school. If the applicant is not currently teaching, they will indicate this on the form.

No action will be taken relative to admission until all materials and information are received. Admission materials and information should be received by the department prior to registration.

Submission of an application and its approval constitutes an agreement by the individual to accept any practicum assignments in locations where the objectives of practicum experiences can be met. Failure to accept practicum assignments relieves the University of Central Arkansas of responsibility relating to the individual’s practicum experience or program of study.

A maximum of six semester hours of graduate degree credit with grades of “B” or above may be transferred from another UCA graduate program or from another regionally accredited institution. Candidates must specifically request consideration of transfer work completed prior to admission to the program. After admission to the program, approval to transfer work from another institution must be approved prior to enrolling in the courses. No internship hours may be transferred.

[3] Research and Culminating Experience Policies

As a culminating experience in the graduate preparatory programs, candidates must satisfactorily complete a program portfolio and present scores on the appropriate PRAXIS II examination (School Librarian) or on the written comprehensive examination. The program portfolio must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet competencies as outlined by the program goals and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

The Arkansas Department of Education requires a passing score on the appropriate Praxis exam for P–12 licensure. Candidates will not be recommended for licensure unless a passing score is obtained. Programs in the College of Education require satisfactory completion of all key assessments identified by the program area. Candidates cannot complete their program unless these criteria have been met.

[4] Program Requirements

1. Complete all required coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above. (Required courses are listed below.)
2. Complete practicum in two K-12 settings – 1 elementary (K-6) and 1 secondary (7-12).
3. Complete satisfactorily all student assessments required as part of the state and CAEP / AASL accreditation process.
4. Complete satisfactorily the program required exit portfolio.
5. Complete satisfactorily either the state-mandated licensure test or the program-developed alternative assessment.
6. Required courses (30 semester credit hours for endorsement licensure; 36 semester credit hours for ancillary licensure*).

[4.1] Library Media and Information Technologies Program

This program has been nationally recognized by ALA/AASL. The following courses are required of all students pursuing a degree program in Library Media and Information Technologies. (30 semester credit hours for endorsement licensure; 36 semester credit hours for ancillary licensure*).

*Ancillary Licensure Required Courses: All ancillary licensure candidates must complete these two courses within their first 12 hours in the program:

[4.1.1] Core Courses (24 Hours)

[4.1.2] School Library Media Specialization Courses (6 Hours)

[4.1.3] Arkansas Teaching Licensure Information

1. In addition to program requirements, all candidates must meet the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) requirements to be recommended for a school librarian license by the Department of Leadership Studies. Currently, ADE requires the School Librarian Praxis II examination.
2. Initial licensure candidates must meet additional requirements established by the Arkansas Department of Education. Contact the Program Coordinator and/or the Office of Candidate Services for a list of these requirements.

[4.2] Retention Requirements

Retention is contingent upon making satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. Violations of the state ethics mandates for P-12 educators, and/or violations of UCA student academic conduct policies may result in suspension or dismissal from the program.

For those seeking an ancillary license (no initial educator license upon admission), complete and submit results from an appropriate background check either prior to enrolling or before the first course requiring a field experience. Contact the Department of Leadership Studies for information on the appropriate screening process. A minimal cost is associated with this screening.

[4.3] Continuous Enrollment Requirement

College of Education graduate students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment throughout their program of study until achieving program completion. Specifically, College of Education graduate students are expected to be enrolled in at least two of the three semesters in a given calendar year (Spring, Summer I or II, and Fall). If a student must take a time-out, the student is expected to notify his/her home department. If a student fails to register for more than one semester out of three in a given calendar year, he/she may be ineligible for readmission unless granted by the home department.

[5] Graduate Course Link

Follow this link for LIBM course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for LEAD course descriptions: course link
Follow this link for ITEC course descriptions: course link
Follow this link for MAT course descriptions: course link