School Library Studies (MA)
Teacher Librarian Master's and Endorsement Program
Preparing teacher librarians to serve as leaders in technology and literacy, teachers of digital citizenship, media specialists and advocates for lifelong readers.
- Online master's degree and Iowa school teacher endorsement program - including options for elementary (#108), secondary (#109), or K-12 (#174) endorsements
- Begin program any term
- Next cohort begins: Summer 2025
- Apply now!
You may be eligible to receive a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship -- complete the application today!
Features
Entirely Online | 30 Credits | 2 Years
- Mentored by K-12 faculty where you'll find a K-12 connection infused throughout all courses
- Courses prepare you to teach technology and literacy and lead school-wide learning, through co-planning, co-teaching, and providing print and digital resources to students and teachers
- This program is for those looking to become K-12 teacher librarians and/or qualify for one or more of the Iowa teacher librarian -- K-8 Elementary School Teacher Librarian – #108, 5-12 Secondary School Teacher Librarian – #109, or K-12 School Teacher Librarian – #174 endorsements
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
 | Joan Bessman Taylor Program Coordinator Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction |
 | Lisa Jaeger Enrollment Contact lisa.jaeger@uni.edu |
Students only interested in the Iowa School Librarian endorsements should contact the department at librarystudies@uni.edu for advisement.
Request Information
All coursework is offered online. Most courses meet once a week in the evening via Zoom interactive video conferencing and are supported using Blackboard, a learning management system.
View the course sequences:
Our graduates are prepared to become:
- Teacher librarians
- Teacher leaders
- Technology integrationists
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum directors
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
All coursework is offered online. Most courses meet once a week in the evening via Zoom interactive video conferencing and are supported using Blackboard, a learning management system.
View the course sequences:
Our graduates are prepared to become:
- Teacher librarians
- Teacher leaders
- Technology integrationists
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum directors
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Courses Required for Iowa Licensure for Teacher Librarians
- K-12 Teacher Librarian, Endorsement #174 (with MA in School Library Studies)
Iowa Teaching license + MA in School Library Studies: 30 credits
- SLS 5114 Introduction to the School Library Program (3)
- SLS 5115 Organization of Information (3)
- SLS 5132 Library Resources for Children (3)
- SLS 5134 Library Resources for Young Adults (3)
- SLS 6223 Elementary School Library Curriculum (3)
- SLS 6225 Leadership in the School Library Program (3)
- SLS 6230 Technologies for Libraries (3)
- SLS 6250 Secondary School Library Curriculum (3)
- SLS 6295 Research in Library and Information Science (3)
- SLS 6290 Practicum in School Libraries (3)
- Elementary Teacher Librarian (K-8), Endorsement #108
Iowa Elementary Teaching license + courses: 24 credits
- SLS 5114 Introduction to the School Library Program (3)
- SLS 5115 Organization of Information (3)
- SLS 5132 Library Resources for Children (3)
- SLS 6223 Elementary School Library Curriculum (3)
- SLS 6225 Leadership in the School Library Program (3)
- SLS 6230 Technologies for Libraries (3)
- SLS 6295 Research in Library and Information Science (3)
- SLS 6290 Practicum in School Libraries (3)
- Secondary Teacher Librarian (5-12), Endorsement #109
Iowa Secondary teaching license + courses: 24 credits
- SLS 5114 Introduction to the School Library Program (3)
- SLS 5115 Organization of Information (3)
- SLS 5134 Library Resources for Young Adults (3)
- SLS 6250 Secondary School Library Curriculum (3)
- SLS 6225 Leadership in the School Library Program (3)
- SLS 6230 Technologies for Libraries (3)
- SLS 6295 Research in Library and Information Science (3)
- SLS 6290 Practicum in School Libraries (3)
To be admitted, students must have:
- An applicant statement (limit 500 words) in response to a question about teacher librarianship. The question can be found in the online application and the statement should be uploaded as a PDF (the statement will be waived for applicants with a prior master's degree).
- 2.75 GPA in a completed degree program
- Teaching license or completion of teacher education coursework
- Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Financial aid and scholarships are available for both part-time and full-time graduate students in the online School Library Studies program. To get started, contact the UNI Financial Aid Office for information and for assistance with filing out the FAFSA. Graduate students enrolled in 5 or more credits per semester can qualify for some forms of federal financial aid.
Teach Iowa Scholars and Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Since teacher librarian is one of the Iowa Teacher Shortage Areas designated annually by the Iowa Department of Education, students who earn a degree in School Library Studies may be eligible for forgivable loans or grants through both state and federal programs. This program provides for educators teaching in shortage areas and/or low-income schools. These programs are administered by outside agencies, but it is recommended that you first consult with the UNI Financial Aid office about these options.
TEACH Grant
The federal program provides grants to students earning degrees in shortage areas including teacher librarianship. Eligible graduate students must contact the UNI Financial Aid office to request to have the TEACH Grant added to their financial aid offer.
Scholarships
College of Education (COE) Scholarships
The Be Well School Library Studies Endowed Scholarship and the Rigmor Madsen Scholarship Endowment Fund give funding to students in School Library Studies, with the Rigmor Madsen scholarship giving priority to a non-traditional female student. Applications are due by April 1.
The COE Dean offers Dean’s Graduate Scholarships of $1,500 to multiple students. Apply for the COE Dean's scholarship here.
ODE Scholarship
UNI Online & Distance Education offers scholarships to degree-seeking graduate students. Qualified applicants will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship ($500 each fall and spring term). Submit your ODE scholarship application online.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply for Scholarships
Check out the scholarships (listed above) being offered by the College of Education and Online & Distance Education to qualified students. Call 319-273-7206 or email online@uni.edu with any questions or if you need assistance!
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Heather Wood
"The learning that I experienced during the School Library Studies program was incredible! I definitely 'didn't know what I didn't know' when I began this process, and there were times during the process that I questioned my sanity, things didn't make sense and I struggled. However, I discovered that the more I learned through my classes, the more everything made more sense!"
Class of 2022, School Library Studies MA