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Librarianship
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Credits for Licensure:
32
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Credits:
30
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Degree:
Master of Education
Program Description
The Librarianship program prepares educators to provide exceptional school library programs that engage students and teachers/faculty. The program includes hands-on instruction and independent learning experiences, including a field-based practicum (for library teacher certification students) guided by a librarian and a Cambridge College supervisor. Graduates will be prepared for a variety of library and technology related careers.
Why Librarians Are Important
Twenty-first century school libraries provide learning environments that ensure students and employees are effective, ethical, and creative users of ideas and information. By working with teachers to plan, mediate, and assess student learning, librarians play a crucial role in expanding on and delving into lessons given in the classroom using a variety of resources and specialized skills they have available.
Library Teacher Certification
This program leads to certification by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Prior valid Puerto Rico teacher certification in another area is required. We also offer a non-certification option, in which all of the same program components are required, except for the practicum, practicum seminar, and the PCMAS.
Cambridge College Librarianship Program Highlights
Prepare for school library jobs and other librarian careers in this flexible, affordable master’s degree program designed for adult learners.
- Hands-on learning. Take part in independent projects that personalize your learning experience and help provide the specific knowledge, training, and skills that fit your interests and professional goals.
- Library teacher certification. Gain the skills and preparation needed for library teacher certification by the Puerto Rico Department of Education; or, advance your professional skills without engaging in a practicum experience through our non-certification option.
- Flexible class options. Manage work, family, and community commitments while earning your master’s degree, with the help of convenient evening, weekend, and online class options designed for working professionals.
- Exceptional value. Save on tuition at one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States.
- Experienced faculty. Learn from and work closely with accessible, dedicated faculty who bring extensive research and professional experience to the coursework.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians working in elementary and secondary schools earn an average salary of $60,440.
Librarians in colleges, universities, and professional schools average about $62,880 per year in earnings.
Librarianship Program Learning Outcomes
Our graduates are experts at developing and promoting quality library programs that benefit students and teachers. Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, this program provides the specialized skills and training to know how to:
- Use multiple technologies for individual and group learning, empowering students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, researchers, and ethical users of information.
- Work in collaboration with other educators to promote a love of learning and reading, ensuring equal access to information resources.
- Stimulate and integrate quality reading and analysis skills in classrooms, laboratories, and libraries.
- Understand the history and the present role of libraries in education and learning.
- Assume a leadership role in education and information literacy, technology skills, and media literacy.
Librarian Jobs
This program provides you for a variety of jobs in libraries and other technology related careers, including:
- School library teachers
- Technology and information center directors
- Media literacy consultants
- Library technicians
- Assistant librarians
- Publicity assistants
- Education program vendors
Example Librarianship Courses
The Librarianship master’s degree at Cambridge College features classes such as:
- New Technologies in the Library
- Reference Resources and Services
- Library Management
Download the Librarianship program sheet.
Librarianship Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your librarianship master’s degree. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs offered at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
This program is for certification by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Prior valid Puerto Rico teacher certification in another area required.
Non-Certification option: All program components are required, except for the practicum, practicum seminar, and the PCMAS.
All courses are taught in Spanish.
Required Courses
27
Credits
Introduction to Librarianship
ELM 509 • 3 credit(s)
This course studies the evolution of librarianship as a professional field specialized in the management and organization of information for the offering of various services, and to educate users about the correct use of information. The development of the process of academic, school and public libraries over the years is studied for a better understanding of the role of professionals. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Reference Resources and Services
ELM 521 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed to manage reference services and resources in different types of libraries. Students explore reference resources in different formats and their use to meet the user's need. Students look at professional library selection tools to locate the best and most relevant information resources in a variety of options to bring service to local or remote users. This course emphasizes lay issues for the information professional, including information needs and seeking behaviors, the reference interview and the reference and instructional librarian as a professional. It also explores the communicative strategies and social aspects of information.
New Technologies in the Library
ELM 532 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores access to online databases, educational use of the Internet, policies, copyright, and major issues in media literacy. The student will explore the process of integrating technology in the 21st century education and library services; understand the impact of the internet on library services, and identify different technology tools for libraries, educational services, and distance learning. The student will design and evaluate the technology used to enhance their productivity and professional practice.
Information Literacy
ELM 533 • 3 credit(s)
The course focuses on the integration of information literacy standards into the school library program and the teaching of information literacy skills, their theoretical foundations, and the strategies to teach these skills to K-12 library users. The library teacher candidate examines instructional design and strategies, national and state information literacy standards and skills, exemplary information search models, and learner assessment methods. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Production of Instructional Materials
ELM 561 • 3 credit(s)
This hands-on course introduces multimedia technology and its instructional uses in designing authentic learning environments. Library teacher candidates gain experience creating multimedia projects for classrooms, school libraries, colleagues and students. They examine a variety of Web 2.0 tools, presentation software and tools for teaching. Basic production vocabulary and concepts of media literacy are also studied.
User Needs and Selection of Information
ELM 600 • 3 credit(s)
This course introduces students to the techniques and methods that can be used to diagnose a user's needs and how they are used for the effective selection of information resources. Students will also learn about the development of library policies, such as the collection development policy, including donations and policy for discarding information sources.
Cataloging of Information Resources
ELM 601 • 3 credit(s)
Pre-requisite: ELM509.This course studies the principles of the organization and cataloguing of information for its access and effective use. The norms for the catalog and documentary description, the selection of access points, including the descriptors, subject headings, and the classification of systems are examined. It reflects on the importance of the information professional in the organization of information to facilitate their access.
Research in Librarianship
ELM 700 • 3 credit(s)
Pre-requisite: ELM509. This course studies the theoretical foundations of scientific research and its application in librarianship. We work with the development of knowledge and skills in research to start this activity. Opportunities will be provided to work with quantitative and qualitative research techniques. It reflects on the value of research in Library Science, as well as its benefits in the search for solutions to problems in the field.
Library Management
ELM 701 • 3 credit(s)
Pre-requisite: ELM509. The course emphasizes the development of the management and administration of information units of the XXI Century. It covers basic aspects of the organizational structure, planning, budget management, human resources and library management. In addition, it covers concepts related to the assessment and evaluation of library services to guarantee the continuity and value of the library in its environment. This course explores both the theory and practice of the management of digital services in the information units and emphasizes the social and ethical responsibility of the information units with the community.
Elective Courses
3
Credits
Three credits for non-certification students.
The following elective course is recommended.
Assistive Technology: Modifying the Curriculum for Diverse Learners
ESP 615 • 3 credit(s)
How do we as educators implement the mandated requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that calls for assistive technology to be considered in each Individualized Education Program (IEP)? Candidates examine assistive technologies and the federal laws impacting the education of students with disabilities and investigate assistive technologies addressing seating and positioning, access to the technology, augmentative and alternative communication (low-tech and high-tech). Candidates examine curriculum modifications using technology, and software that addresses these modifications and individual learning styles. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the various augmentative and alternative communications (AAC) methodologies, including the appropriate use of aids and devices. Course assignments connect assistive technologies to classroom practice.
Practicum & Seminar (licensure students only)
5
Credits
Prerequisites for Practicum
- Pass all teacher certification tests required by DEPR for this license.
- Pass all required courses.
In a school library, divided into two 150-hour experiences at two of the three school levels (elementary, middle, high school).
Guided and evaluated by a librarian and a Cambridge College supervisor.
Practicum locations are subject to the regulations and must be approved by the program director. Students are responsible to discuss options for the practicum with the program director or regional center director.
Practicum: Library Teacher K-12 (300 Hours)
ELM 790 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: Pre-practicum, pass all initial licensure courses, pass all teacher tests required by Massachusetts for this license. 300 hours in a school library; divided into two 150 hour experiences at two of the three school levels (elementary, middle, high school). Practicum Seminar required concurrently. The Practicum experience is in the role and at the level of the license sought, guided and evaluated by a professional licensed/certified library teacher and a Cambridge College supervisor. Practicum locations are subject to MA DESE regulations and must be approved by the program chair. Students are responsible for discussing options for practicum with the program chair. The Practicum experience provides library teacher candidates the opportunity to gain insights into the profession and to master the current Professional Standards for Library Teachers. Students reflect on their own professional growth and examine theory through actual practice. Exit Performance Portfolio required for credit.
Practicum Seminar: Library Teacher
ELM 791 • 2 credit(s)
Library Teacher Practicum required concurrently. The seminar for classroom experience supports students’ growth as they assume the library teacher’s role. It is the setting for students to interpret their field-based experiences and transform them into skills, knowledge constructs, attitudes and values. The seminar provides a cohort/support for students to address problems and find solutions, while utilizing current academic research and practices. They master understanding and practice of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, develop the skills necessary for the teacher tests, and become familiar with the current reforms and changes in state regulations on educator licensure. Exit Performance Portfolio required for credit.
Senior Instructor
Adjunct Instructor
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Program Requirements
Prior valid Puerto Rico teacher certification in another area required.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
-
Credits for Licensure:
32
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Credits:
30
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Cost per credit hour:
$324
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Note: Rates are as of July 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Librarianship Master's Degree
Take the Next Step Toward Your Librarianship Master's Degree
Student
Success
Marta Rosa
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