C.A.S./K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification Program

The Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in Library and Information Science is open to those who hold a master's degree in library and information science or a related field. Librarians, information scientists, and others in information management enroll in the program to refresh and update their skills, gain greater specialization in their professional training or redirect their careers from one area to another.

The C.A.S./K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program enables the student to earn an Illinois Type 10 K–12 Library Information Specialist (LIS) certificate for library work in elementary and secondary school environments. The GSLIS K–12 LIS Certification program emphasizes the Library Information Specialist's role(s) in establishing teaching and learning communities, developing inquiring and reflective minds, promoting the effective application of technology and modeling a commitment to service; as well as the Library Information Specialist's proactive responsibility for providing access to and facilitating use of diverse library collections and resources.

Courseload | Financial Aid | Admission Requirements | After Admission

Courseload

Total completion time for the full C.A.S./K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program varies from student to student. Upon admission to GSLIS, students' college/university transcripts are evaluated by the UIUC Council on Teacher Education. Each student's course program and fieldwork requirements for the C.A.S./K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program is based on that evaluation and is developed by the student and his/her advisor. Students in the CAS/K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program may choose to conclude their course of study upon completion of the K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program or to continue working toward the Certificate of Advanced Study. Up to 16 of the semester hours may be taken at UIUC outside of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. A maximum of 12 semester hours may be transferred, subject to review by the GSLIS Curriculum Committee and the UIUC Graduate College. Transferred credits must be graduate-level courses in library and information science earned at an ALA-accredited master's degree program, or a field other than LIS completed at any campus of the University of Illinois or any accredited institution. These credits cannot have been used to fulfill the requirements of a degree earned at another institution and must have been completed within the last five years.

Following the completion of 32 semester hours of graduate-level coursework, the CAS student concludes his/her program with an 8 semester hour thesis project developed by the student and his/her advisor. The CAS project is a substantive investigation of a problem in librarianship or information science that is developed by the student and his/her advisor and followed by a final oral examination. Students have five years to complete the program. (Note: Admission to and completion of the CAS Program is entirely separate from the GSLIS Ph.D. Program.)

Entry Dates

Students may enter the C.A.S. program in fall, spring or summer. However, application must be made to the K-12 LIS Certification program no later than October 15 for a practicum field placement in the following spring semester, or January 15 for a practicum field placement in the following summer or fall semester. These deadlines apply to both on-campus and LEEP students.

Grades

Students must maintain a 3.25 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale).

Financial Aid and Enrollment Status

Students holding graduate assistantships awarded and/or administered by the School must be registered for a set number of classes determined by the percentage time of the assistantship; students will be advised of the amount upon appointment. Students with graduate assistantships in the library or elsewhere on campus must follow the enrollment requirements for those departments. Information about applying for assistantships can be found under "Admissions" on the GSLIS home page.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the C.A.S./K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program must have completed a master's degree in library and information science, with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A minimum GPA of 3.0 also is required in the last 60 semester hours of the applicant's undergraduate degree program. When applying to the K-12 LIS Certification program, students must submit an official score report demonstrating a passing score on the Illinois Basic Skills Test. The test is administered by the Illinois Certification Testing System. Further information can be found at http://www.icts.nesinc.com/. The GSLIS Admissions Committee makes every effort to assess applicants on their probable degree of success in the program, rather than relying only on how well the applicant meets the formal requirements.

Prospective applicants should see the Admissions section of our website for specific application requirements, deadlines and forms and contact the GSLIS Admissions Office at 217-333-0734 with questions.

Computer Literacy Requirements

Students admitted to GSLIS are expected to have certain computer skills in order to successfully complete coursework. These skills may be acquired before students begin the program or by taking special free workshops that are taught by GSLIS tech staff and the LIS Library during each semester. Students need to acquire competency in three basic areas:

1. Elementary computer literacy. This means performing such tasks as running a program and organizing and manipulating files on a personal computer, remote computer (such as a server), or removable media (such as a floppy disk or USB storage device). Students are expected to know how to compose and print a research paper with appropriate figures and/or tables using a standard word processing program. Students should know how to set up their personal computer, install software and connect it to a network (via dial-up, broadband, or wireless connection). These skills may be learned at a local community college, through self-tutoring or elsewhere. Students are encouraged but not required to have a personal computer. Several computer firms offer educational discounts through the University MicroOrder Center.  The on-campus GSLIS lab is Macintosh-based, however Windows and Unix/Linux users are also supported in the School.
2. E-mail and bulletin board skills. Students should know how to communicate using e-mail and electronic bulletin/message boards. This requires both a mastery of the technical issues of usage (how to read and reply to messages) and an understanding of proper etiquette.
3. Information retrieval skills. Students need the ability to use the UIUC online catalog, the UIUC Online Research Resources database, and common bibliographic databases found in many libraries.  Students should be familiar with finding information on the web using search engines and other common tools.

In addition, certain skills may be expected to be acquired during students' time at GSLIS:

1. HTML/XML authoring. Workshops will teach basic HTML and XML syntax for creating documents and putting information on the Web.
2. Basic Linux (Unix). Servers running the Linux operating system can be accessed through the GSLIS local area network. These servers provide a wider range of software applications beyond those ordinarily available on the lab workstations. Programs running on the Linux servers can act on the files stored in student home directories. Some (not all) GSLIS classes will require students to use the Linux servers, and familiarity with Linux/Unix commands will be valuable whether or not students enroll in such a class.
3. Database creation. Students may be expected to design simple databases in several GSLIS courses.
4. Information literacy in LIS. Students will become familiar with key information sources within the discipline of LIS, including journal indexes, full-text databases, online repositories and major websites.

Some individual courses require additional technical competencies such as more advanced database design and programming languages. These skills can be learned through community college courses, informal short courses offered in GSLIS by staff and professional organizations and through self-study.

During students' time at GSLIS, they will have access to many technology resources, including the GSLIS User Services Help Desk. We encourage students to share feedback and questions with us and do hope students take advantage of the support we offer the GSLIS community. Please feel free to contact us with questions by emailing -help, at support.lis.uiuc.edu-.

After Admission

The Council on Teacher Education Student Portal

The Student Portal allows students in CTE-approved programs to monitor their certification progress. The CTE portal allows students to view their status on requirements such as: test scores, bloodborne pathogens training and criminal background check. The portal also includes information regarding deadlines, announcements, contact information, CTE policies, links to evaluation forms and other links of interest. Information on the CTE Student Portal and instructions for accessing it can be found at: http://www.cote.uiuc.edu/cte/cte_student_portal.html.

Criminal Background Check

Requirements of the K-12 LIS Certification program include three field placements in school districts: a 100-hour practicum, 8 weeks of student teaching at the elementary level and 8 weeks of student teaching at the secondary level. Illinois school districts require that applicants for field placements be subjected to a criminal background review prior to placement in the district. All candidates in certification programs must clear a fingerprint-based criminal background check through CTE prior to participating in any field experiences in schools. For further information on this requirement, refer to the CTE website.

Required Clinical Fee

After students are formally admitted to the K–12 Program, they confirm their programmatic status by enrolling in EDPR 203 during their first semester as a K–12 student. EDPR 203 does not carry course credit or appear on transcripts but is a means by which students are assessed the required clinical fee ($650 during 2008-09)for K–12 Certification Program supervision.

Course Credit Procedures

Transcript Evaluation (Audit)

Students who took courses in education prior to enrollment in GSLIS may have already satisfied some of the requirements of certification. An audit is also useful if you are interested in being certified to teach other academic subjects and feel you have already satisfied some of the coursework for these additional endorsements. To determine whether this is the case, students should make an appointment for a transcript audit with Chet Zych. Appointments can be made by phone at (217) 333-7195.

As turn around time for audits varies greatly, students should contact Chet immediately upon entering the program. LEEP students should meet with Chet during the initial on-campus LEEP session prior to the first semester or during the first mid-semester, on-campus LEEP session. Students need to bring official copies of all of their relevant transcripts to the meeting. (GSLIS can copy transcripts from admissions file for students if needed). This evaluation enables the Council on Teacher Education to determine what courses a student needs to take in order to complete their certification requirements. Students will be given a handwritten audit that can be used until they are sent an official copy.

Transferring Credit toward Master's Degree

Twenty-eight of the 40 credit hours required for the MLS degree must be taken in library and information science from the University of Illinois. The remaining 12 credit hours may be earned as additional graduate-level library and information science courses from the University of Illinois or in the following ways: as graduate-level course work from another ALA-accredited master's program (eight credit maximum); graduate-level course work from another discipline from the University of Illinois (12 credit maximum); or an extension course from any accredited institution (4 credit maximum). To transfer credit, students must submit the graduate school petition form (PDF file). For more information on transfer procedures and policies see the Graduate College Student Petitions Guide.

Transferring Credit toward Certification Requirements

Students who have taken or plan to take a course they feel could fulfill a required education class can determine pre-approval by looking at the approved education courses offered at other universities list. (Refer to the list of required education courses.) If you have found a pre-approved class, proceed to A. If your class is not listed, proceed to B.

A. You found the course(s) on the pre-approved list:

Email Chet Zych -chetzych, at uiuc.edu- and -lis-k12, at uiuc.edu- and submit the course name and number and indicate what education class you are using this course to substitute. Please indicate that the course is on the pre-approved education course list.

Submit an official transcript to Chet Zych, Council on Teacher Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 505 East Green Street, Suite 203, Champaign, IL 61820, showing successful completion of the course. Include a note indicating that this course is on the pre-approved list and that you have emailed the appropriate people.

B. You did not find the course(s) on the pre-approved list:

Contact Chet Zych -chetzych, at uiuc.edu- and submit the course syllabus from the institution where you wish to take/have taken the class and the name and number of the UIUC education course you would like it to substitute. It is preferred that students submit a syllabus from the time the class was taken, however, a current syllabus can be substituted for a past class if the class is still being offered. There is no automatic time limit as to when the course could have been taken. In addition to providing the information listed above, students must submit the Council on Teacher Education Student's Petition.

LEEP Tutorial

LEEP students and on-campus students will need to be able to navigate through LEEP resources. Although on-campus students are not required to participate in LEEP technology, they will need to become familiar with this process in order to attend the virtual Library Information Specialist Orientation and the virtual student teaching meetings.

Students should attend a LEEP Live Session Workshop on-campus or complete the online LEEP tutorial by:

1. Logging into the GSLIS Intranet (a link to the login page is also on the GSLIS homepage).
2. Clicking "Tech Guide" on left bar.
3. Clicking "UIUC & GSLIS Computing Resources."
4. Clicking "LEEP Live Session" on left bar and continue navigating through each tutorial including Introduction, Entering, Participating, IRC Tips, Updating Java and Whispering.

Library Information Specialist Orientation

New K–12 Certification Program students will participate in an initial program orientation at the beginning of their first semester. Check your email and the GSLIS homepage for dates and times.

Advisor meeting

It is highly recommended that you meet with the Program Coordinator at the beginning of your first semester to discuss program milestones including the CTE Common Assessment Portfolio requirement. The CTE Common Assessment Portfolio is a requirement for students completing the K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification program through GSLIS. It is required by all teacher education programs across campus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as specified by the CTE. The CTE Common Assessment Portfolio represents the culmination of a candidate's professional growth through content and professional education coursework and clinical experiences. The CTE Common Assessment Portfolio will contain performance-based documentation of each candidate's knowledge, skills, dispositions, and professional behaviors achieved throughout their entire teacher education preparation program. Students will want to begin developing this e-portfolio at the beginning of their certification program.

K-12 Practicum/Early Field Experience

The K-12 Practicum is a supervised field experience of professional-level duties in an approved school library placement site. It is designed to provide K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification students with the opportunity to work in a school environment under the supervision of an experienced Library Information Specialist and with the guidance of the Program Coordinator. It is also an opportunity to integrate the educational theory and knowledge of course content with the application of best principles and practices for working with youth and young adults. Students will be able to experience real issues, obstacles, and solutions within the K–12 school setting by interacting with professional colleagues and engaging in professional activities while gradually taking on some teaching responsibilities.

Students will complete a minimum of 100 hours (up to 25 of which can be devoted to a pre-approved project) and receive a maximum of 2 semester hours of graduate credit. Prerequisites include completion of 14 hours of Library and Information Science coursework, and acceptance into the K–12 Library Information Specialist Certification Program. Students must also clear a fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check, pass online Bloodborne Pathogen Training and submit the required practicum forms before a school practicum may begin. See the K-12 Practicum Guide for more information. 

Student Teaching

Field experiences are critical components of a student's preparation for work as a school library media specialist. They provide the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the teaching process through guided, personal, "hands-on" experience. Student teachers will complete two student teaching placements; one in an elementary library setting and one in a secondary library setting (middle or high school). Each placement will last eight weeks under the direction of an on-site cooperating Teacher-Librarian and a University Supervisor, who work together to support and guide students as they apply the skills and knowledge learned in their university coursework to the real world. During each placement, teacher candidates perform the full spectrum of professional activities associated with the work of a professional library media specialist. Student teaching placements are arranged throughout the state of Illinois only.

The Student Teaching Handbook is designed to assist GSLIS students, cooperating Teacher-Librarians, the Program Coordinator and the University Supervisor in planning for student teaching. It includes information regarding the procedures for student teaching and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. 

For More Information

Contact the GSLIS Admissions Office with questions about the admissions process: (800) 982-0914 or (217) 333-0734, or see the Admissions section of our website. For questions regarding the Combined C.A.S. in LIS/K–12 Certification Program, see the K-12 School Librarianship FAQs, then e-mail -lis-k12, at uiuc.edu-

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