School Media Specialization

Welcome

Welcome to the School of Information Studies School Media Specialization web site. On this site we provide relevant information about various aspects of the School Media Specialization and some related links. We hope you will let us know how you like the site and what we can do to make it even better.

Within the LIS degree program, the school offers a formal area of specialization in school library media (known as the school media program). The school media program focuses on teaching LIS students the skills to help children in all areas of literacy and technology fluency. Our program was ranked #4 in the country according to the most recent poll conducted by US News & World Report.

Estimates indicate that in the next few years almost 50% of the school library media specialists (a term used interchangeably with school media specialists and school librarians) in New York State will retire! The numbers are similar across the country. As a result, employment opportunities for school library media specialists are, and will continue to be, extensive; the demand for these information professionals will continue well into the 21st century.

In addition, the MSLIS with School Media certification prepares graduates to enter other specializations in the library profession, including public libraries where there is also a critical need for librarians for children's and young adult services. Renowned faculty, innovative courses, and award-winning research and development projects at the School of Information Studies continue to make school media an exciting program with a wide variety of learning experiences and opportunities.

Those who already possess an accredited master's degree in library and information science can be certified as a school library media specialist by completing the specified curriculum requirements of our Certificate in Advanced Studies in School Media.

School Media Specialization Objectives
The School Media prepares information professionals for work in school libraries. Graduates develop the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes:

teach K-12 all students, including those with diverse learning abilities, styles, and needs, to be effective and efficient users of ideas and information
collaborate with classroom teachers and other educators
raise teachers' expectations of and encourage teacher input on what the school library media program can do to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning
become an expert on curriculum goals and how to integrate library and information resources and services with those goals
demonstrate connections among information literacy standards, curricular goals, and instructional policies
plan and develop curriculum-integrated activities, lessons, and units of instruction and assessment of student achievement of information literacy concepts and processes
identify resources that support and enhance the curriculum
integrate information and instructional technologies into classroom teaching and learning
encourage students to become information literate, independent learners, and socially responsible in their use of information and information technology
encourage and engage students in reading, writing, viewing, and listening for understanding and enjoyment
foster individual and collaborative student inquiry
motivate a love of reading and lifelong learning
manage library resources and services
provide access to the larger learning community
provide access to a full range of information resources and services that support teaching and learning
become visionary leaders in their schools, districts, and profession

Have a question about the School Media program? Email cslissm@syr.edu to contact a current School Media student, who can answer any questions you have about the iSchool or life in Syracuse.

Prospective students interested in communicating with recent graduates may view the alumni profiles.