ARCLMS is guided by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards, organized around the shared foundations of Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore and Engage. Assignments and instruction are aligned to the ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards (2019), with program phases organized around the five preparation standards:

  1. The Learner and Learning
  2. Planning for Instruction
  3. Knowledge and Application of Content
  4. Organization and Access
  5. Leadership, Advocacy, and Professional Responsibility

Program Structure

In order to provide a high quality and accessible instructional experience for all learners, ARCLMS is offered as a blended learning program. It is ideal for teachers who:

  • Want a learning experience that emphasizes independent learning
  • Learn better in a flexible environment requiring strong organizational skills
  • Can leverage online tools to engage in a feedback cycle with the instructor and discourse with colleagues
  • Have a high level of skill/comfort with technology tools and web-based applications

Technology is an essential component for cross-endorsement, and the program incorporates the use of a variety of technology tools and resources.  Participants will be required to utilize and master a wide variety of technology tools throughout the program.

This program is non-credit-bearing.

2024-25 Program Hours

EXPERIENCE
DESCRIPTION
HRS

Instruction

Weekly, in-person or online (synchronous and/or asynchronous).

152

Practicum Experiences

Application of learning in the school library environment that includes field experiences, collaboration with a library media specialist, and program management.

36

Professional Learning

Independent professional learning in a self-identified area in need of further development (examples include technology, literacy, curriculum topics, innovative programming).

20

Embedded Professional Practice

Most program assignments require work to be completed outside of planned instruction. These tasks include an extensive literature review, book promotion, research projects, learning and application of technology, and demonstration of learning through written reflections aligned to program standards.

 

Participants should anticipate spending approximately 4-6 hours per week on program-related work in addition to participating in instructional sessions, and completing practicum and professional learning requirements. Time spent may vary for each learner.

4-6
per week

Instruction

In order to engage fully as a learner in the ARCLMS program, participants will take part in in-class and online discussions, complete homework assignments, and read assigned texts.  Regular attendance in class, as well as full engagement on the online platform, is required for successful completion of the program. These experiences provide the candidate with essential knowledge and understanding of the work of the library media specialist.

Practicum Experiences

Participants will observe and work alongside experienced library media specialists in the field. Through observation of and collaboration with the host LMS, participants will broaden their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the position, specifically:

  • Standards and dispositions demonstrated in action by the host LMS
  • How a library media center functions within schools, within different grade bands and in varying locations
  • Challenges facing library media specialists
  • Program management and administration responsibilities

Additionally, participants will use these field experiences opportunities to learn more about budgeting practices and processes in different library media programs. Participants will gather information regarding these practices during their interview conversations with the host LMS in order to inform the creation of their own library media center budget.

Participants will integrate literacy and information technology into curricular resources in collaboration with their school’s LMS (or with a classroom teacher, if the participant is currently in the role of the LMS).

Professional Learning

A key role for the library media specialist is to inform, advocate for, and lead continuous learning and professional growth opportunities for other educators. Based on an analysis of individual strengths and needs aligned to the AASL standards, participants will create a plan for their own ongoing professional growth for the duration of the ARCLMS program. Participants will share their plan with their instructor by the end of September, and provide updates quarterly. The plan will include at least 20 hours of professional learning and development that are directly related to their identified needs in library media and/or educational technology. Additionally, participants will design and implement a professional learning session incorporating their own new learning.

Embedded Professional Practice

Literature Review

The library media specialist plays a significant role in developing students’ lifelong reading habits and must possess significant knowledge of the complete range of literature available to children and young adults. Reading widely is a habit of all highly effective library media specialists, regardless of grade levels served. By engaging in this assessment, participants will experience authentic and purposeful application of LMS skills in order to support reading and literacy activities in the school at all grade levels. Titles will include award-winning and/or nominated books, professional titles, multicultural literature, and titles that are frequently challenged. It also provides participants with the opportunity to develop skills to advocate for reading using digital technologies that engage children in new, authentic ways, and encourages them to pursue a lifelong habit of reading. Participants will be introduced to various technology tools during ARCLMS classes, and will utilize these technologies to create book trailers, book talks and/or promotions to future PK-12 students and their communities.

Research

The library media specialist needs to have a fully developed understanding of research as a process, as well as knowledge of a variety of information sources and services available to support that process. In addition to teaching students how to research, and helping them to access and evaluate information, the LMS uses action research to improve practice in school libraries. Participants will explore the research process at the elementary, middle, and high school level, while also deepening their awareness of critical issues and trends in the field.

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