Contact:

Jill Hurst-Wahl, Program Director, 208 Hinds Hall, (315) 443-1070, igrad@syr.edu

Website:

Library & Information Science: School Media

Overview:

The School Media program is a major specialization within the Library and Information Science (LIS) program and requires that students meet not only the core LIS requirements, but also specified coursework in information literacy, youth services, information technology in schools, literacy and reading support, and management in school libraries. School librarians provide active curriculum support services and library and information skills instruction in elementary and secondary school settings. School librarians serve as intermediaries between the information needs of students, faculty, administration, and community and the information systems and resources required to fulfill those needs. In this capacity, school librarians provide print and non-print media in support of the curriculum; collaborate with classroom teachers by teaching research/information literacy skills in the context of the general curriculum; guide students in selecting reading materials and provide literacy support; introduce and facilitate effective use and delivery of current and emerging technologies; and implement a range of 21st century skills-based programs and services.

The traditional role of school librarians has expanded to include:

• collection management based on a unified media concept;
• teaching, support, and guidance in the use of information resources from a problem-solving perspective;
• promotion of print, media, and digital literacy;
• curriculum consultation and technology innovation;
• information management beyond the walls of the centralized library facility; and program management.

The current educational focus on lifetime learning, critical thinking skills, and multiple literacies directly links overall educational goals to the services and resources of the school library program.

The nationally ranked (U.S. News & World Report) School Media Program at Syracuse University prepares students for the exciting and challenging role of the school librarian. In conjunction with the area of Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation at the School of Education, the School of Information Studies has developed a competency-based academic program, accredited by the state of New York and leading to New York State certification as a school library media specialist.

The program requires the demonstration of competency in a number of specific tasks that are grouped into the following functional areas:

• Administration
• Design, development, and delivery of instruction
• Selection of media and information provision
• Organization and logistics
• Production and utilization of media
• Research
• Communication and leadership

The LIS master’s degree in school media also enables graduates to enter other specializations in the library profession. For example, in public libraries there is a critical need for librarians for children and young adult services. In community college libraries, the need for librarians trained in teaching information and technology skills is high. Some school media students are choosing to become digital librarians in government and corporate settings. Students trained as school librarians are highly qualified for these and other library positions.

Learning Outcomes:

By the time students complete the LIS School Media program, they will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

Standard 1: Teaching for Learning

1. Knowledge of learners and learning
2. Effective and knowledgeable teacher
3. Instructional partner
4. Integration of twenty-first century skills and learning standards

Standard 2: Literacy and Reading

1. Literature
2. Reading promotion
3. Respect for diversity
4. Literacy strategies

Standard 3: Information and Knowledge

1. Efficient and ethical information-seeking behavior
2. Access to information
3. Information technology
4. Research and knowledge creation

Standard 4: Advocacy and Leadership

1. Networking with the library community
2. Professional development
3. Leadership
4. Advocacy

Standard 5: Program Management and Administration

1. Collections
2. Professional Ethics
3. Personnel, Funding, and Facilities
4. Strategic Planning and Assessment