Library Science

I. Knowing the Content

The professional education program provides evidence that Library Science certification candidates complete a program of studies in Library Science the same as the academic content area courses and required electives of a major in a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The program shall require the candidates to demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamental concepts of library science utilized in teaching K-12 grade students including:

Instructional collaboration with school staff that integrate curricula content with access to and use of resources in varied formats including:

design, writing, and implementation of curriculum which fully integrates information management skills and the use of information in the educational program,
applying learning theories to information seeking and use in instruction, including critical thinking and problem solving skills,
designing and selecting instructional methodologies and resources to meet student and curricular needs,
assessing student progress and evaluating instruction

Information technologies utilized in management, administration, and instructional programs in the school library and media center including:

automated tools such as word processing, database, and spread sheets,
means of acquisition and types of vendors of audiovisual equipment, computer technologies, and distance education systems,
application of technological processes to instruction, budgeting, circulation, cataloging, and materials development,
multimedia products, local and wide area networks, and on-line services

Media center resources and collections including:

social and psychological factors affecting people’s use of resources,
traditional forms of print and audiovisual resources as well as on-line services,
curriculum materials produced for children and young adults,
procedures for technical processing, collection maintenance, weeding, and evaluation,
implications of copyright and intellectual property law,
classification and cataloging systems including the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classifications, the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Sears List of Subject Headings, and ALA Filing Rules,
MARC records in automated library systems,
formats for organizing and documenting a collection of materials

Management and Administration of the library media center including:

defining the center’s mission and priorities,
managing center budget,
financial, staffing, facilities, and program planning,
supervision and training for library support staff and volunteers,
planning and evaluating center objectives and needs,
alternative funding sources and grant writing activities,
promoting media center services in the school and community

Promoting Information Literacy through the use of technology and program services including:

student competencies as self-motivated readers,
developing skills needed to access and use media in all formats,
providing instruction in the use of various forms of information

II. Performances

The professional education program provides evidence of the candidates participation in sequential and developmental field experiences and student teaching, under the supervision of college personnel and cooperating teachers who are well trained, have interpersonal skills and demonstrated competence in performing the duties of a school librarian. (Candidates that possess an initial Instructional certificate shall be required to complete the required competencies in lieu of student teaching.) The program also provides evidence that the criteria and competencies for exit from the Library Science certification program are assessed in coursework, field experiences and student teaching and require the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and competence in fostering student learning through multiple instructional methodologies including:

Planning of instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community and Pennsylvania Academic Standards which promote problem analysis, creativity and decision-making skills
Managing the instructional environment in order to:

create a climate that promotes fairness,
establish and maintain rapport with students,
communicate challenging learning expectations to each student,
establish and maintain consistent standards of classroom behavior,
make the physical environment safe and conducive to learning

Implementing, adapting and assimilating effective instructional strategies, curriculum resources and technologies in collaboration with other educators in order to develop students’ abilities for locating, understanding, evaluating, and synthesizing information
Selecting, analyzing and modifying instructional materials to meet the learning needs and reading levels of diverse learners
Monitoring students’ understanding and awareness of library services and resources through a variety of means, providing feedback to students to assist learning, adjust instructional strategies and improve library services III.

III. Professionalism

The professional education program provides evidence that Library Science certification candidates demonstrate knowledge and competencies that foster professionalism in school and community settings including:

Professional organizations, publications, resources, and plans for professional development
Integrity and ethical behavior, professional conduct as stated in Pennsylvania’s Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations
Collaboration with school colleagues, higher education, and other community organizations to enhance and expand library services
Communicating effectively with parents/guardians, other agencies and the community at large to support learning by all students