School Librarian Certification
As a school librarian, you can inspire students and staff to explore and utilize both print and digital resources, fostering a love for learning and information discovery.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 2 years
- 21 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Inspire Lifelong Learners
Explore the skills to integrate literacy and technology with our fully online School Librarian Certification. This 21-hour program is designed to prepare you to work as a Texas School Librarian or Library Media Specialist. You’ll study essential techniques in cataloging, classification and organizing print and digital resources while exploring literature for children and young adults. Our program also includes a practicum focusing on library management and school library administration.
Looking to expand your expertise? We also offer a 36-hour Master's in Educational Technology and Library Science online.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
With the school librarian certification, you can unlock rewarding career opportunities to inspire a love for reading and technology in students.
Careers Possibilities
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our program is designed to equip educators with the skills to manage school libraries, promote information literacy and cultivate a strong reading culture among students.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Library Management
Learn to efficiently manage library operations, including cataloging, budgeting and resource organization, using systems like Destiny.
Information Literacy
Teach students how to research, evaluate and use information critically, helping them develop essential lifelong learning skills.
Reading Promotion
Organize engaging programs and events that encourage students to develop a passion for reading and improve literacy.
Collection Development
Curate a wide range of relevant library collections that meet students' needs and interests while supporting educational goals.
Taking Classes
Designed for current educators and working professionals, our program is offered entirely online, providing flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Please note that you must follow the course sequence outlined in your degree plan.
To review upcoming course offerings, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
The School Librarian Certification program at East Texas A&M University introduces you to managing print and digital resources, organizing materials and integrating technology into literacy instruction. You'll explore children's and young adult literature and gain hands-on experience through a practicum in library administration and student support.
Course Offerings
- LIS 512 Information Reference and Mediographics (summer/fall/spring)
- LIS 524 Developing General and Specialized Collection (summer/fall)
- LIS 527 Books and Related Material for Children and Young Adults (summer/spring)
- LIS 515 Cataloging and Classification (fall/spring)
- LIS 540 Administration of School Libraries (fall/spring)
- ETEC 579 Implementation of Educational Technology Programs (summer/fall/spring)
- LIS 550 Practicum in a School Library (fall/spring)
Adding Value with Certificates
The School Librarian Certification, along with additional specialized certifications, can expand your knowledge and open up new career opportunities in library and information science.
Reading Specialist Certification
Reading specialists work alongside K-12 educators and often provide one-on-one instruction for students struggling with reading and writing comprehension. You'll develop individualized plans for addressing students’ reading difficulties. Offered as part of the master's in reading program, you can earn your certification in no time.
Alternative and Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
This program is uniquely designed for those who have previously earned their bachelor's degree and now seek to make a career transition into the teaching profession. This is a non-degree seeking program for those wishing to obtain a Texas teacher certification without obtaining a master's degree.
Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Certification: For those wishing to pursue a master's degree and obtain a Texas teacher certification, we have four master's programs specifically geared toward achieving your certification. You can choose from a Master of Science in: Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood, Secondary Education, or Special Education.
Educational Diagnostician Professional Certification
Special Education (MED) with Educational Diagnostician Certification
This program includes specific training in diagnosis and intervention strategies for individuals with special needs.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Mary Jo Dondlinger, Ph.D.
Faculty
Dimitra J. Smith, Ph.D.
Faculty
Tony Lee, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved.
Through connections with organizations like the Texas Library Association (TLA), students can engage with industry experts, attend workshops and stay updated on the latest trends in library science, preparing them for successful careers as school librarians.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
Once admitted, you must:
- Complete 21 hours of coursework
- Complete a practicum in a school library and oversee an institution's collection
The Texas State Board of Educators also requires you to complete the following:
- Two years of full-time classroom teaching experience
- Master's degree
- A passing score on the TExES (test #150)
Note: A copy of the official service record for each year of classroom
Admission Process
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “School Librarian Certification” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator or more information.
Submit proof of one of the following:
- A valid Texas Teacher Certification or
- A Principal Certificate
Describe your preparation for graduate work and your academic interests and goals in no more than 500 words.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Once your application to the Graduate School is complete, immediately submit your School Librarian Certification Program Application using TK20.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
- Go to the Educator Certification page on MarketPlace
- Click Educator Professional Fee
- Click the shopping cart plus icon
- Fill in your personal information to be associated with the fee and click “Continue”
- Go back to the Educator Certification page on MarketPlace
- Click TEA Assessment Fee
- Click the shopping cart plus icon
- Complete your payment
- Download and save your receipts to upload to TK20
You will need to have the following documents ready for upload in order to submit the application:
- Certification fee receipt
- TEA Assessment fee receipt
- Teaching service record
- A minimum of zero years of experience is required for admission to the school librarian certification program. If you do not have a completed year of service yet, please submit a letter of explanation in TK20 in place of your service record. The application will not submit if this required attachment is missing.
- Standard Texas Teaching Certificate
- Note: Candidates on emergency permits, intern or probationary certificates will not be admitted.
- Official transcripts from the Graduate Office will be reviewed by the certification office.
- Official transcripts from all institutions must be submitted to the Graduate School in order to satisfy TEA certification admission requirements.
- Admission to the school librarian certification-only program requires the applicant to have a conferred master's degree as shown by official transcripts.
- Applicants must meet one of the following GPA requirements for certification admission:
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; or
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of a conferred bachelor's degree; or
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a conferred master's degree
- Please note that certification admission requirements may differ from those of the Graduate School and are separate requirements.
If applicable:
- TEA Transfers
- If you have previously been admitted to another educator preparation program for school librarian certification.
- Request that a completed TEA transfer form be sent from your previous program to [email protected].
- Transcripts from outside the United States
- Contact [email protected] for any questions about TEA requirements for transcripts from outside the United States.
- If your official transcripts are from institutions outside the United States and the country of origin is not exempt by TEA, send the following documentation to [email protected]:
- A course-by-course evaluation from a TEA-approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Service
- Minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). Please note that TOEFL scores are only valid for a period of two years. Required minimum scores are 24 for Speaking, 22 for Listening, 22 for Reading and 21 for Writing.
- As of 3/4/2022, a valid standard Texas educator certificate will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL iBT scores.
- Go to tamuc.tk20.com
- Scroll down and click “Admissions”
- Select “Click here to create your account.”
- Complete the “Create Applicant Account” form.
- Note: You will be creating a password for this account.
- Store the password you create in a secure location so you can refer to it later.
- After completing the “Create Applicant Account” form, TK20 will provide your username.
- Store your TK20 username and password in a secure location so you can refer to them later.
- You will use the username to log in to review your admission application once submitted.
- Log into your TK20 account
- Click on the “back to login” link.
- Enter your username and password.
- Click the green “Log Into Your Account” button.
- Click on the “Create New Application” button.
- Select “School Librarian” application
- Click the “Next” button.
- Complete the application. Your written essay response will be evaluated for admission by program faculty.
- Upload documents by clicking on the “+ Select File(s)” button for the item you are uploading.
- Once you have completed all fields in the application, click the “Submit” button.
- Look for an email from TK20 confirming your submission.
To check your application status:
- Log in to your TK20 Student Admissions account
- On the “Home” tab, locate your application under “Recent Messages”
- Click on the application.
- If you are admitted, the message will indicate your application was “Admitted”
- If you lack admission requirements, the message will indicate “Denied.”
- Click on “Review Document” to view your deficiencies and reason(s) for denial.
Once accepted, please sign and return the “letter of invitation.”
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist is here to help you complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- View the Schedule of Classes.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
- Apply for scholarships once you are admitted.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Note: This program is not eligible for Federal or State loans or grants.
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the School Librarian Certification approved by states other than Texas?
No. Our program prepares you to serve as a School Librarian in the state of Texas. Those seeking librarian certification in states other than Texas should contact the educator certification agency in their home state to check licensure requirements.
Is the School Librarian Certification accredited by the American Library Association?
No. This program is not ALA-accredited since it is a graduate certificate. However, our certification is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). This certification is only eligible within the state of Texas.
Contact the Department
- Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies
- 903.886.5618
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, Texas 75429-3011