School Library Ready

AFTER YOU ATTEND THIS COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of different school library personnel, and how each role contributes to the library’s overall mission.
• Identify relevant professional standards and explain how these relate to the functions of the school library.
• Discuss key values of librarianship in the context of your library and school.
• Understand how library materials are commonly selected, organized, and maintained in a school library.
• Explain and identify reader’s advisory strategies appropriate to your school community.
• Identify program ideas that may meet the needs of your school community.
• Describe how library resources support instruction in the school library and classroom.

THIS COURSE CONSISTS OF 6 ON-DEMAND MODULES:

Module 1: School Library Mission and Roles

School libraries are an integral part of the educational ecosystem. This module covers the core purpose of school libraries and how they support both students and teachers. You will explore the diverse roles and responsibilities of library employees and supervisors, gaining insight into the many hats worn by library personnel every day. By the end of the module, you’ll understand how your role contributes to the library’s overall mission.

Module 2: Values of School Librarianship

Let’s dive into the foundational values and ethics that guide the work of school library professionals. This module explores key principles such as intellectual freedom, equitable access, and reading promotion, all of which are essential to effective and high-quality library services. By the end of this module, you’ll have a solid understanding of the professional standards that underpin your daily tasks.

Module 3: School Library Collections

Explore the basics of managing library collections to ensure they meet the needs of your school community. This module covers selecting, organizing, and maintaining a diverse and engaging collection of resources, including print books, digital materials, and other media. You’ll learn how a well-curated collection supports learning and literacy development.

Module 4: Reader’s Advisory

Discover how to match readers with texts and recommend resources to teachers through the practice of reader’s advisory. This module introduces practical strategies for understanding readers’ interests and needs and recommending appropriate materials. By the end of the module, you’ll feel more confident guiding library users toward books they will enjoy and resources that support coursework.

Module 5: Programs and Events

Explore the purpose and benefits of programs and events organized by the school library. This module focuses on identifying program ideas based on school initiatives, student interests, and community needs. You’ll also learn key strategies for planning, executing, and evaluating programs to ensure they are successful and meaningful.

Module 6: 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’ll learn how library personnel collaborate with teachers, provide direct instruction, curate resources, and support research and projects. No matter your role, you’ll gain a clearer picture of how your work contributes to student success.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

This 3-course certification track is designed for K–12 non-certified school library personnel, including paraprofessionals, staff, and teachers.

COURSE FORMAT

This will be a series of three self-paced, asynchronous online courses.

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT

This series includes three courses. Each course contains two modules, and each module is designed to take approximately four hours to complete. The complete series is expected to take approximately 24 hours. 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 six months from the course start date.

SCHOOL LIBRARY CORE CERTIFICATION

For each individual course you complete in the series, you will earn eight professional development credit hours. A certificate will be emailed to you upon completion of each course.

Upon completion of all three courses, you will earn your School Library Core certification from School Library Journal.

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

Carolyn Vibbert
School Librarian Division Specialist

Carolyn Vibbert is a K–12 Librarian Specialist and National Board Certified Teacher in Library Media. She holds an M.L.S. in Library Science and is a past president of the Virginia Association of School Librarians, an AASL National Conference Co-Chair for St. Louis, and a Senior Lecturer for Antioch University’s School Library Endorsement Program. She has presented professional learning sessions locally and internationally.

Dr. Karina Quilantán-Garza
Assistant Professor, Sam Houston State University

Dr. Karina Quilantán-Garza, known to students as Dr. Q, is a nationally recognized school librarian and Assistant Professor at Sam Houston State University. Her teaching and research focus on instructional design, professional development, leadership, and bridging theory to practice. She advocates for student creativity and empowerment and engages educators through her work and social media presence @cuethelibrarian.

Kaycie Hoffman Blaylock
Library and Resource Coordinator

Kaycie Hoffman Blaylock is a library leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. She currently serves as Library and Resource Coordinator for Alexandria City Public Schools and holds dual master’s degrees in Educational Media & Librarianship and Curriculum & Instruction, as well as an administrator’s license.

Cicely Lewis
School Librarian and Author

Cicely Lewis is the 2020 SLJ School Librarian of the Year and founder of the Read Woke® movement. She is an author, educator, and literacy advocate whose work empowers students to read critically and engage with social justice through literature and technology. Learn more at www.readwoke.com.

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 multiple books focused on nonfiction, primary sources, and news literacy.

Ashley J. Cooksey
Assistant Professor and Program Director, Arkansas Tech University

Ashley J. Cooksey (she | her) is an Assistant Professor and advocate for school library media, student agency, and Universal Design for Learning. She is also a Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion Ph.D. candidate and a registered yoga teacher.