Library Media and Information Technology M.S.

(33 Semester Hours)

Purpose

The Master of Science in Library Media and Information Technology prepares candidates to be school librarians who can be described as those who “lead their profession in making information literacy (which encompasses reading, information handling and technology knowledge) attainable for all members of the learning community.” They know a wide range of source material and how to access it; they develop interdisciplinary collections to meet the demographic and cultural needs of the learning community; they partner with teachers to create exciting learning experiences in an information-rich environment. They understand the curriculum of the school thoroughly and serve as leaders in implementing quality teaching and learning.

The Master of Science in Library Media and Information Technology prepares candidates to be effective school librarians in the areas of learning and teaching, information access, and program administration. They are prepared to provide leadership in the total education program, participate as active partners in the teaching/learning process, connect learners with ideas and information, and prepare students for life-long learning. They know how to instill a love of reading and can develop opportunities for their students to be effective managers of information.

Admission

For admission to the Master of Science Degree in Library Media and Information Technology, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
2. Scores no more than five years old on either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
3. An approved Application for Graduate Admission;
4. Two official transcripts of all previous course work. The transcripts must be sent directly from the schools attended to the Office of the Graduate College;
5. Have an earned undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 based on a 4.0 system for the last 60 hours of course work attempted at either the undergraduate or graduate level; or attain a scale score of 383 on the Miller Analogies Test; or attain a score of 900 (verbal plus quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination.

If seeking Oklahoma certification as a School Library Media Specialist, it is desirable for candidate to have a current Oklahoma teaching certificate. Those who do not have teaching certification must pass the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET) and the Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE). All candidates seeking certification need to take the state certification test for school librarians at the completion of the program. If seeking certification in any state other than Oklahoma, it is recommended that individuals contact the appropriate State Department for guidelines so they can be built into the program. Candidates should be able to show proficiency in computer technology.

Advisement

Upon admittance to the Graduate College an advisor is assigned to the student. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the faculty member and make an appointment for advisement and to develop a degree plan. The advisor develops the plan of study in conference with the student, assists in the selection of classes each semester, and counsels the student as needed. Students are advised to meet candidacy requirements within the first 16 semester hours of their program. These requirements must be met within the first 24 semester hours. In any event, 16 semester hours toward the master’s degree must be completed after being admitted to candidacy.

Admission to Candidacy

Students are eligible to be admitted to candidacy if they have:

1. Completed all requirements for admission to the Graduate College.
2. Been formally admitted to the School Library Media and Technology Program.
3. Satisfactorily completed the course Education 5143, Qualitative Research within the first 16 hours.
4. Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours or a maximum of 18 semester hours of graduate work toward the degree as prescribed by the plan of study;
5. Maintained a 3.0 grade point average in all graduate work attempted.
6. Filed a plan of study (degree plan) approved by the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College;
7. Filed a Statement of Understanding signed by the student and advisor with the Graduate College.

Students are advised to meet candidacy requirements within the first 16 semester hours of their program. These requirements must be met within the first 24 semester hours. In any event, 16 semester hours toward the master’s degree must be completed after being admitted to candidacy.

Program of Study

The primary focus is on preparing teachers to make the transition from being a public school classroom teacher to becoming the person who facilitates the access of information and resources within their entire site. School librarians must be instructional, curricular and professional leaders for the teachers, students, parents, and patrons in the facilities where they serve. To meet this end, the Professional Education component provides a course in Qualitative Research so that librarians can not only conduct their own research but be a resource to teachers and administrators who are conducting action research and assessing the effectiveness of the programs and curriculum they provide.

The specialized courses in the program are designed to prepare candidates to be managers of information and a resource in their schools. The candidate is able to access and share information with others in a manner appropriate to age and ability. Successful candidates will be able to manage a library that is inviting and organized. They will possess strategies to assist teachers in their academic objectives and be knowledgeable of a variety of print and non-print resources. Integration of technology is stressed both in the curriculum and in strategies for accessing information.

Capstone Experience

The capstone experience is an academic activity which encourages the use of skills learned and knowledge gained to demonstrate competency in one or more areas of the field of study. It is a culminating experience beyond the minimum hours and course work required of the Master of Science degree and should be completed near the end of the student’s program.