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About This Course
A practical introduction to school librarianship for paraprofessionals and staff entering the field.
On-Demand Materials:
Available starting April 16, 2026
School Libraries 301 helps you deepen your impact by exploring two powerful areas of school library work: programming and instructional support. This course introduces key strategies for aligning program ideas to student and teacher interests, plus planning, executing, and evaluating programs to ensure success. You will also gain a clear understanding of how the school library directly supports classroom instruction through teacher collaborations, resource curation, and curriculum support. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how your role—regardless of position—contributes directly to student success.
This is part 3 of a 3-part series; you can choose to take a part separately, or all together in a bundle.
DISCLAIMER: This course does not provide the training or qualifications for staff to manage a school library independently. It is designed to help paraprofessional staff better support certified school librarians in their instructional and leadership roles.
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Return to Full Course Catalog
After You Attend This Course, You’ll Be Able To:
- Identify program ideas that align with and meet the needs of your school community.
- Describe how library resources support instruction in both the school library and classroom settings.
This Course Consists of 2 On-Demand Modules:
Module 1: Programs and Events
Explore the purpose and benefits of programs and events organized by the school library. In this module, you will learn how to identify program ideas based on school initiatives, student interests, and community needs. You will also examine key strategies for planning, executing, and evaluating programs to ensure they are successful and meaningful within your school community.
Module 2: Instructional Support
Understand how the school library directly supports classroom instruction and academic standards. This module explores how library staff adapt instructional support based on school context, including scheduling models and grade levels served. You will learn how library personnel collaborate with teachers, provide direct instruction, curate resources for research and projects, and offer guidance that enhances student learning across the curriculum. Regardless of your role, you will gain a clearer understanding of how your work contributes to student success.
Who Should Take This Course
This course is designed for K–12 non-certified school library personnel, including paraprofessionals, staff, and teachers.
This course is part of a three-course, self-paced, asynchronous online certification series.
Expected Time Commitment
This course includes 2 modules, each designed to take approximately 4 hours to complete. You can move through the content at your own pace and on your own schedule.
On-Demand Access
You will have access to the full course for 6 months from the course start date.
School Library Core Certification
For each individual course you complete in the series, you will earn 8 professional development credit hours. A certificate will be emailed to you upon completion of each course.
Upon completion of all courses in the series, you will earn your School Library Core Certification from School Library Journal.
Accessibility
All video recordings include auto-captioning. Please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration if you require any special accommodations, and we will make our best efforts to facilitate them.
Support
For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com.
Course Advisor
Maura Madigan, NBCT
School Librarian
Maura Madigan, NBCT, is the author of Learning Centers for School Libraries, Project-Based Learning for Elementary Grades, and The School Librarian’s Guide to (Almost) Everything (ALA Store). She has been a school librarian for ten years and has worked in education for twenty-eight years as a teacher, college instructor, and educational advisor in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Maura lives and works in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Course Instructors
Dr. Karina Quilantán-Garza
Assistant Professor, Sam Houston State University
Known to students as Dr. Q, Dr. Karina Quilantán-Garza is a state and nationally recognized school librarian and Assistant Professor at Sam Houston State University. Her work focuses on instructional design, professional development, leadership, and expanding the impact of school library programs. She is a passionate advocate for student creativity, innovation, and empowerment and researches school librarians’ professional learning and leadership development. She engages educators widely through her work and social media presence @cuethelibrarian.
Tom Bober
School Librarian
Tom Bober is a school librarian, Library Journal Mover & Shaker, former Teacher in Residence at the Library of Congress, and author of Elementary Educator’s Guide to Primary Sources, Building News Literacy, and Literature and Primary Sources. He writes for AASL’s KQ Blog and hosts The Primary Source Podcast. Tom works with students and educators to promote a love of nonfiction, information literacy, and historical literacy.
DISCOUNTED RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Secure your tickets now to lock in the best price.
| Rate | Early Bird | Standard |
| Deadline |
March 17, 2026 |
April 16, 2026 |
| Ticket Price |
$209 |
$249 |
GROUP RATES
We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.
For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select Bulk Course Credits Packages in the form below.
Request Discounted Group Pricing
For support with group purchases, please contact groupsales@libraryjournal.com.
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Register by March 24, 2026
On-Demand Online Course Series
Recommended for K-12 school librarians and educators
