Master's in Library and Information Science - School Library Media Coordinator

Prepare for a rewarding career as a school librarian with UNC Greensboro’s School Library Media Coordinator concentration in the American Library Association-accredited Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. Designed for aspiring and current educators, this flexible online MLIS concentration combines advanced library and information science coursework with preparation for North Carolina School Library Media Coordinator (076) licensure. Students develop the knowledge and skills to lead innovative K–12 library programs, promote literacy and information fluency, integrate emerging technologies into teaching and learning, and collaborate with classroom teachers to support student success. Graduates are prepared for careers in school libraries while earning a respected MLIS that provides opportunities across the broader library and information profession.

The Master of Library Science degree is an entry-level requirement for all North Carolina public school librarians. The School Library and Media Coordinator concentration allows you to apply for 076 licensure to work not only in public schools, but also in any area of the library and information profession where an MLIS degree is required.

MASTER’S IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE — SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA COORDINATOR Program Distinctions

U.S. News & World Report ranks UNC Greensboro’s 10th nationally in the School Library Media Specialty Area and 29th in the country for Best Library and Information Studies programs. Both ratings are second in the state of North Carolina.

This MLIS program is recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for licensure across several career tracks within the state’s public schools. Graduates are also eligible for North Carolina Public Library Certification.

100% of UNCG’s school library students passed the School Librarian Praxis 5312 in 2025.

The School Library Media Coordinator program emphasizes preparing students to lead innovative school library programs, promote literacy and information fluency, integrate emerging technologies into learning, and collaborate with classroom teachers to improve student achievement.

Public school librarians in North Carolina must have a master’s degree in library and information science. Additionally, school librarians are licensed as teachers. As is true for the MLIS degree on the whole, any undergraduate degree preparation is appropriate.

The school library media coordinator Student Experience

In addition to the core MLIS courses (foundations, information organization, leadership, inquiry), students complete specialized coursework such as:

• Materials for Children
• Materials for Adolescents
• Introduction to Technology Resources
• The School Library
• School Library Media Specialist and the Curriculum
• School Library Practicum/Capstone (LIS 693)

These courses emphasize:

• collection development for K–12 students
• information literacy instruction
• collaboration with classroom teachers
• instructional design
• literacy promotion
• technology integration
• library program leadership

The Library and Information Science program works with information organizations where their students learn, providing meaningful practicums, capstone, and volunteer opportunities.

If you would like to learn more about the MLIS program, register to join us for a monthly information session to learn more about the program!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time, and begin your program during either the fall, spring, or summer semester.

MLIS Program Customization

Students in the MLIS program have the opportunity to focus on developing their skill set in specific areas. Below are some suggested courses to help students plan out a particular destination in their studies. None of these courses are required, but they can help students who wish to refine their academic experience within a particular area.

The School Library Licensure Capstone

The School Library Licensure capstone provides a professional‑level practicum experience in a working school library. Students apply learning through sustained practice under the supervision of a licensed school librarian or administrator.

Earn Your Online MLIS: Flexible School Library Media Coordinator Degree and Licensure Preparation

UNCG’s School Library Media Coordinator concentration is available in a fully online format, providing flexibility for working teachers, education professionals, and career changers who want to earn an accredited MLIS without relocating or interrupting their current employment. Students complete the same rigorous curriculum taught by experienced faculty while accessing coursework from anywhere.

Coursework is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, making it possible for students to advance their career while maintaining work and personal commitments. In addition to its online convenience, the program includes meaningful field-based experiences, culminating in a supervised school library capstone that allows students to apply their knowledge in an authentic K–12 learning environment. Graduates earn an ALA-accredited MLIS credential that opens doors to careers in school libraries as well as other library and information settings.

A Deeper Look at the school library media coordinator Program Requirements

All MLIS licensure candidates are required to:

• Submit a Candidate Agreement Form to the program coordinator.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Archive all course assignments required as evidence for accreditation and post them to your final portfolio by the last semester of the program.
• Score 2 or above on all supervisor evaluations.
• Receive a satisfactory evaluation on the practicum.
• Submit to a criminal background check before completing LIS 691, 692, or 693.
• To obtain final licensure, the School Librarian Praxis # 5312 must be taken with a passing score of 154 through ETS.

After Graduating From the mLIS — SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA COORDINATOR Program

The Master’s in Library and Information Science — School Library Media Coordinator degree program emphasizes the rapidly changing library and information field, and prepares graduates for school library media coordinator positions in schools in North Carolina and across the country. Students are prepared for leadership positions in academic, public, school, and special libraries, as well as a variety of roles in both public and private agencies and cultural organizations as information specialists.

Upon completion of the Master’s in Library and Information Science — School Library Media Coordinator degree, students will be eligible to apply for a K–12 teaching license as a Library Media Coordinator through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; this licensure is eligible for transfer to other states.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Licensure Reciprocity Information