Library / Undergraduate Library Education/Graduate Library Education

 

The Undergraduate Library Education Program at Valley City State University

Required Courses | Scholarships | How to get started

 

The Library Media

Students interested in library and information services can add a library minor to their degree from Valley City State University. This program provides several career opportunities including:

School Library Media Specialist: The library minor will qualify those with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree for credentialing as a school library media specialist in the state of North Dakota.

Public Library Technician: Coursework from the four core areas of library studies (reference, cataloging, collection development, and administration) will prepare participants for employment in most small public libraries across the state.

Information Services: All coursework for the library minor is technology-focused. Those completing the courses will have a basic knowledge of electronic resources and information services in a business environment.

Online Delivery

All of the courses for the library minor are delivered completely online during the academic year. In addition, all courses are offered in a combination on-campus/online short course format during the summer.

Becoming a School Library Media Specialist

There are currently three levels of certification as a school library media specialist in the state of North Dakota. Completion of five courses in the Library & Information Science minor in the DPI-required areas along with a valid North Dakota teaching certification will qualify a student for the first level of certification(LM03).

The library program at VCSU provides the coursework to qualify the prospective school library media specialist for the second level of certification (LM02) and/or renewal of a current credential.

The third level of certification as a LMS (LM01) requires a master's degree in education or administration and specified library coursework. Beginning spring semester 2008, VCSU is offering a Masters in Education with a focus in Library and Information Technology. Information about the new graduate program is available from Dr. Margaret Dahlberg.

Facilities & Resources

The VCSU library and information science collection of print and electronic resources is the most extensive collection of its kind in the state. Additionally, the curriculum library--a model K-12 library with a large collection of professional resources--is available for use by pre-service and in-service educators and librarians. It is one of few curriculum libraries in the state. The university library also maintains a close working relationship with the regional teacher center, housed just off the curriculum library in the lower level of the building.

The courses below are required for a Library & Information Science Minor

Required Courses                                         21 Hrs
LMIS 250 Introduction to Libraries & Information Science    3
LMIS 360 Collection Development                                         3
LMIS 365 The Organization of Information                           3
LMIS 370 References Sources & Services                         3
LMIS 430 Administration of School Library Media Center    3
LMIS 445 Standards for Effective School Libraries             3
LMIS 470 Current Issues in Librarianship                            3

Electives                                                       3 Hrs
LMIS 330 Children's Literature                                             3
   or
LMIS 350 Young Adult Literature and Media                       3

Scholarship Opportunities

There are several significant scholarship opportunities available annually for those students seeking a library minor. Program participants are encouraged to ask their advisor about the availability of scholarship funds.

How to get started

For more information, contact Jennifer Grothe Jenness, Susan Dopp or Donna James at the library.

Jennifer Grothe Jenness 1-800-532-8641 x37279 - jennifer.jenness@vcsu.edu
Susan Dopp 1-800-532-8641 x37277 - susan.dopp@vcsu.edu
Donna James 1-800-532-8641 x37275 - donna.james@vcsu.edu

Apply for admission to VCSU.

* Complete application at Enrollment Services
* Submit application fee of $35
* Send official transcript(s) from college(s) previously attended

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