The Library Science program at Appalachian State University prepares students for pursuing careers in school or public librarianship. The program is delivered in a flexible, fully online format.
Program and Licensure Tracks:
- MLS Degree Program
- School Media Supervisor Graduate Certificate (K-12)
- Instructional Technology Facilitation (K-12) Graduate Certificate
- Public Librarian Graduate Certificate
Students in all Library Science tracks will experience:
- A fully online course delivery that blends synchronous class meetings in a collaborative learning environment with asynchronous projects and coursework.
- 16:1 student-instructor ratio and small class sizes that enhance student engagement and cohort community-building.
- Engaged and supportive faculty who support your professional success and development.
View program overview and assessment data
MLS Degree Program
The Master of Library Science (MLS) is a 36-credit hour degree program that prepares students to foster digital and information literacies, assist underserved populations, and bridge the gap between people, information, and technology.
View admission information and deadlines for the online MLS degree program
The MLS program offers two concentrations that prepare students for licensure:
- School Libraries – The curriculum for the School Libraries track reflects those courses appropriate and necessary for Media Coordinator licensure (076) in the state of North Carolina and meets the requirements for American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Recognition.
- Libraries, General – Appropriate for students pursuing public or academic librarianship, the curriculum for this concentration provides all necessary coursework for certification through the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission.
Capstone Portfolio
Students will document and provide reflection on their experiences in the program through the creation of a digital portfolio in their final semester. This capstone project connects student work and assessment throughout the program to learning objectives and outcomes. Learn more about the capstone portfolio
Alternative and Add-on Licensure Pathways
Graduate certificate licensure pathways are appropriate for students who want to add additional licensure eligibility onto their degree program, or for professionals who want to enhance their existing MLS, education or information degree with a specific area of licensure. Graduate certificate programs are offered in an online format.
Course descriptions and current programs of study for each certificate can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Media Supervisor (078 Licensure) Graduate Certificate
The 078 Media Supervisor Licensure program is designed to serve those individuals who have an earned MLS, have experience working as school librarians, and desire to pursue district or county-level administration positions that assist building-level librarians in implementing successful media programs.
This program of study is offered on an as-needed basis. Please reach out to Dr. Robin Moeller for more information at moellerra@appstate.edu.
Instructional Technology Facilitator (077 Licensure) Graduate Certificate
Designed for students enrolled in the School Libraries degree track, current Media Coordinator (076) license holders, and K-12 teachers needing additional endorsements for their classrooms, this program prepares students for advanced licensure in Instructional Technology Specialist - Computers (077) or Instructional Technology Facilitation (079).
Public Librarian Graduate Certificate
Designed for current MLS and information science degree holders, and for students currently enrolled in the School Libraries degree track who want to add on licensure for public librarianship, this program prepares students for certification in North Carolina public libraries. Coursework covers programming and outreach, reader advisory, literacy and library services, and leadership methodologies.
For information on how to enroll, please reach out to Dr. Kim Becnel at becnelke@appstate.edu.
Licensure and Certification
Completed program transcripts are required for all licensure levels. Licensure applications and documentation are not submitted by the program, students must submit an application for licensure in order to obtain the necessary license for their area of specialization.
- School Librarian Licensure – Graduates of the School Libraries program track who hold NC “A” licensure and present passing scores on the specialty area PRAXIS/NTE are eligible to apply for Media Coordinator licensure (076) through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
- Instructional Technology Facilitator Licensure – Students who complete the Instructional Technology Facilitator (ITF) Graduate Certificate may apply for Instructional Technology Specialist licensure (077) for K-12 schools through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
- Public Librarian Licensure – Graduates of the Libraries, General program track and the Public Librarian Graduate Certificate may be eligible to apply for public librarian licensure through the State Library of North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission.
Contact
Kim Becnel, Ph.D.
Program Director
828-262-7753
becnelke@appstate.edu