Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the School Library program, you must have:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- Three references approved by the coordinator; these must be written by your principal, assistant principal, and school district library supervisor, and/or your school librarian and are submitted during the online application process;
- A photocopy of your current teaching certificate;
- If you do not have current teacher certification, you must have an official transcript showing the completed education courses identified by the MSDE COMAR regulations for School Library Media Specialists. See MSDE options and this page for additional information "Non-Teachers;"
- A satisfactory essay of approximately 250 words on why you want to be a school librarian, showing that you have reviewed our professional materials at the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) website. You will want to show that you are knowledgeable about our professional roles as leader, teacher, and information specialist as stated in the 2017 National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. You will want to show that you are against censoring of library materials and that you support readers' rights. Here are specific links that will help prepare the essay to demonstrate that you are a good candidate for our profession:
Making Your Decision
To make sure that this is a good decision for you:
THE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT
One week before each course begins, we open the class so that you can review all the materials, introduce yourself, and get to know your classmates. Check your McDaniel email account one week prior to the start date of the course and look for your instructor's email with instructions.
TYPICAL SCHEDULING OF CLASSES
Candidates may take two online courses back-to-back in the fall and spring semesters, and two courses which overlap during the summer. This is how the courses are typically scheduled throughout the year:
- Chat with a school librarian;
- Study our professional information posted at the AASL site;
- Read what a Future Ready Librarian looks like;
- Examine the COMAR governmental regulations for the certification of a School Library Media Specialist in Maryland;
- Skim the Standards for School Library Media Programs In Maryland;
- Recognize that today's librarian is an outstanding teacher and a dynamic leader;
- See the tuition costs;
- Understand that you can begin coursework 5 times throughout the year: January, March, May, August, & October (See below for typical beginning and ending dates.);
- Decide if an entirely online degree is right for you.
THE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT
One week before each course begins, we open the class so that you can review all the materials, introduce yourself, and get to know your classmates. Check your McDaniel email account one week prior to the start date of the course and look for your instructor's email with instructions.
- Our courses adhere to Quality Matters best practices.
- Asynchronous means you attend class when it works with your schedule.
- The classes are 8 weeks long with 4 modules and one assignment per module.
- You "attend" class via the discussion boards at least 4 times a week.
- The first two weeks of your first class are likely to be intense. But know that all our classes follow the exact same format so you will indeed adjust.
- If you take a vacation, you can certainly be absent from class a few days. But for your own peace of mind, you'll want to bring your laptop.
TYPICAL SCHEDULING OF CLASSES
Candidates may take two online courses back-to-back in the fall and spring semesters, and two courses which overlap during the summer. This is how the courses are typically scheduled throughout the year:
- Fall online course dates: Session 1 & 2: mid-August to October and October to December
- Spring online course dates: Session 1 & 2: mid-January to March and March to May
- Summer: Session 1 & 2: mid-May to July and mid-June to August
Professional Sources
- Purchase or borrow this book: National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Chicago: ALA, 2018. ISBN 978-0-8389-1579-0.We will be referring to the standards in every SLM class. If you join ALA and AASL, then the cost is $99. If you do NOT join, then the book price is $199. You may want to borrow the standards from your school librarian. Ask your instructor for a form to use to get the discount.
- Join our professional organizations at the state and national level. These include Maryland Association of School Librarians or Pennsylvania Association of School Librarians, the American Library Association, the Association of School Librarians, and the Association of Library Service to Children. Many offer an inexpensive rate for graduate students.
- Subscribe to journals such as School Library Journal, School Library Connection, and Horn Book Guide. Investigate cheaper rates for graduate students. OR, learn how to access these journals free via your college library account. Most importantly, save copies of your membership fees, conference handouts, professional journals as you'll be using them when you prepare your professional portfolio in your final course.
- Consider purchasing the writing manual: Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers. A Writer's Reference (the latest edition) Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. We expect professional writing in our graduate courses.
After Your Application is Accepted
- As soon as your application is accepted, you will receive an electronic offer of acceptance. Say yes!
- You'll also receive digital instructions on setting up your McDaniel email account and how to register for class.
- In about a week, I will send you an extremely detailed email with lots of attachments and instructions. Look for this email, as I will be asking you when you can meet virtually with me.
COURSE REGISTRATION DATES--AND SUGGESTED APPLICATION DEADLINES
Look for an email from the Registrar (via your McDaniel email address) giving instructions on registering for the coming semester. Registration opens:
- July 1 for fall classes,
- November 1 for spring classes,and
- April 1 for summer classes.
DEGREE PLAN, COURSES, & ASSIGNMENTS
Download a degree plan packet. Please review it before we meet. This comprehensive packet includes:
The first two weeks of your first McDaniel graduate online course can be overwhelming. The good news is that all our online courses follow the same format, and before long, you will get used to things. But still, I want to help you to be prepared for and successful in our program.
To help ease the stress at the beginning of your coursework, review the instructions and rubrics for discussions and learning logs. Here is another resource: Narrated Key Points on Discussion Instructions for LTS, SLM, WRT Courses.
COLLEGE BOOKSTORE
When you register for classes, you will have access to the course textbooks. You can purchase online or call at 410-857-2275,
SLM LISTSERV
Make certain that I have subscribed you to our listerv. I do this is at our degree plan meeting, but remind me if I forget! I share course schedules before the registrar posts them, announce job openings, and forward professional opportunities.
YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT For school matters, use your McDaniel College email address.
GRADUATION At the beginning of your last semester, complete an "Application for Graduation" and send it to the registrar. Log in the portal then go to Menu > Student Menu > Student - Registrar's Ofc > Application for Graduation.
- the plan;
- all the course descriptions, objectives, and assignments;
- how they align with our 2019 ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards.
The first two weeks of your first McDaniel graduate online course can be overwhelming. The good news is that all our online courses follow the same format, and before long, you will get used to things. But still, I want to help you to be prepared for and successful in our program.
To help ease the stress at the beginning of your coursework, review the instructions and rubrics for discussions and learning logs. Here is another resource: Narrated Key Points on Discussion Instructions for LTS, SLM, WRT Courses.
COLLEGE BOOKSTORE
When you register for classes, you will have access to the course textbooks. You can purchase online or call at 410-857-2275,
SLM LISTSERV
Make certain that I have subscribed you to our listerv. I do this is at our degree plan meeting, but remind me if I forget! I share course schedules before the registrar posts them, announce job openings, and forward professional opportunities.
YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT For school matters, use your McDaniel College email address.
GRADUATION At the beginning of your last semester, complete an "Application for Graduation" and send it to the registrar. Log in the portal then go to Menu > Student Menu > Student - Registrar's Ofc > Application for Graduation.
More About Courses
WHEN TO TAKE WHAT
After you've been accepted in our program, I'll meet with you virtually so that I can share a course schedule that meets your needs.
We have twelve courses in our program. Try to finish your degree in three years. Below is a suggested order of when to take what courses.But remember, I'll meet with you and plan a schedule. The first course to take--and you should take it by itself--is SLM 503. Remember that our courses are online, eight weeks long, and are intense.
In the fall and in the spring semesters, you may take two courses back to back. In the summer, I would suggest taking only one course as our summer session begins during the last few weeks you are completing the school year. Two summer classes will be exhausting!
THE PRACTICUM COURSE
Read Preparing for your Practicum. SLM 552 is either your last or next to the last course (before or after the portfolio course).. Before even enrolling for the course itself, you must send the Practicum Supervisor a Practicum Application so that she can begin securing you a place at a school. These are the deadlines for making the application:
MCPS employees must also complete this pdf form.
SUPPORT
WRITING CENTER
Take advantage of our outstanding Writing Center. Reserve online appointments several days before the assignment is due. See this video for instructions on using the online scheduling system. The tutors do not line edit your work; rather, they teach how to improve your writing.
ACCESSING PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS AT HOOVER LIBRARY AND MORE
In many classes, you must use specific professional selection journals and databases. Sometimes candidates have trouble using the online library resources. Here are detailed instructions for accessing sources.
Additional Hoover Library support:
MICROSOFT OFFICE PRODUCTS
All McDaniel students and staff have FREE access to Microsoft Office Products at https://login.microsoftonline.com and log in with your McDaniel email address. From there, select “Install Office Apps” on the right and select Office 2016 which will download the office installer. Alternatively, you can also just use word online under apps if you don't want to download the whole office suite.
Scholarship Opportunities
Maryland delegate and senatorial scholarships are available for graduate students. For details, email [email protected].
The Carolyn D. McGolerick Scholarship Fund supports students studying school librarianship. Students can be at any point in their degree process and there is no residency restriction to be eligible. Minimum scholarship is $1,000; maximum will depend on the total number of applicants and the cost of attendance at a given school. See information at https://www.frederickcountygives.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships and at https://admission.mcdaniel.edu/register/McGolerickScholarship.
After you've been accepted in our program, I'll meet with you virtually so that I can share a course schedule that meets your needs.
We have twelve courses in our program. Try to finish your degree in three years. Below is a suggested order of when to take what courses.But remember, I'll meet with you and plan a schedule. The first course to take--and you should take it by itself--is SLM 503. Remember that our courses are online, eight weeks long, and are intense.
In the fall and in the spring semesters, you may take two courses back to back. In the summer, I would suggest taking only one course as our summer session begins during the last few weeks you are completing the school year. Two summer classes will be exhausting!
- First courses to take in the beginning of your program (but not at the same time): SLM 503, SLM 508, SLM 502;
- Second set of courses to take : SLM 505, SLM 509, SLM 506;
- Third set: SLM 504, your elective;
- Take SLM 501 near the end (even though it has the first number!);
- SLM 552 Practicum and the very last course SLM 550 Professional Portfolio.
THE PRACTICUM COURSE
Read Preparing for your Practicum. SLM 552 is either your last or next to the last course (before or after the portfolio course).. Before even enrolling for the course itself, you must send the Practicum Supervisor a Practicum Application so that she can begin securing you a place at a school. These are the deadlines for making the application:
- For the fall semester, you must submit your application by March 1
- For the spring semester, submit on November 1
- IF you are a MCPS employee, there is a possibility of a summer internship. Submit on March 1.
MCPS employees must also complete this pdf form.
SUPPORT
WRITING CENTER
Take advantage of our outstanding Writing Center. Reserve online appointments several days before the assignment is due. See this video for instructions on using the online scheduling system. The tutors do not line edit your work; rather, they teach how to improve your writing.
ACCESSING PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS AT HOOVER LIBRARY AND MORE
In many classes, you must use specific professional selection journals and databases. Sometimes candidates have trouble using the online library resources. Here are detailed instructions for accessing sources.
- Go to http://hoover.mcdaniel.edu/ .
- At some point, you will be asked to login. Use your McDaniel login and password.
Additional Hoover Library support:
- Text a librarian at: 410-346-5640
- Call a librarian at: 410-857-2281 or 410-857-2282
- Chat with a librarian at: http://ask.hoover.mcdaniel.edu
- Library Research Guides for School Librarianship
MICROSOFT OFFICE PRODUCTS
All McDaniel students and staff have FREE access to Microsoft Office Products at https://login.microsoftonline.com and log in with your McDaniel email address. From there, select “Install Office Apps” on the right and select Office 2016 which will download the office installer. Alternatively, you can also just use word online under apps if you don't want to download the whole office suite.
Scholarship Opportunities
Maryland delegate and senatorial scholarships are available for graduate students. For details, email [email protected].
The Carolyn D. McGolerick Scholarship Fund supports students studying school librarianship. Students can be at any point in their degree process and there is no residency restriction to be eligible. Minimum scholarship is $1,000; maximum will depend on the total number of applicants and the cost of attendance at a given school. See information at https://www.frederickcountygives.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships and at https://admission.mcdaniel.edu/register/McGolerickScholarship.
Our Instructors
We have outstanding instructors! We have current practitioners and former school district library supervisors. All of us have years of school library experience.
Dr. Ramona N. Kerby--call me Mona!
Ms. Anne Bozievich
Ms. Sandy Doggett
Mr. Stony Evans
Ms. Carol Fritts
Dr. Cathi Fuhrman
Ms. Margie Gaudino
Ms. Kimberly Johnson
Ms. Deb Kachel
Ms. Dina Kropkowski
Ms. Jan Nies
Dr. Sam Hull
Ms. Robbie Reasoner
Ms. Jamie Rooney
Ms. Jen Shesman
Ms. Jen Sturge
Mr. Mike Stencil
Mr. Stephen Smith
Ms. Kristen Wilson
Dr. Ramona N. Kerby--call me Mona!
Ms. Anne Bozievich
Ms. Sandy Doggett
Mr. Stony Evans
Ms. Carol Fritts
Dr. Cathi Fuhrman
Ms. Margie Gaudino
Ms. Kimberly Johnson
Ms. Deb Kachel
Ms. Dina Kropkowski
Ms. Jan Nies
Dr. Sam Hull
Ms. Robbie Reasoner
Ms. Jamie Rooney
Ms. Jen Shesman
Ms. Jen Sturge
Mr. Mike Stencil
Mr. Stephen Smith
Ms. Kristen Wilson
Policy on Professional Ethics and Standards
Adhering to copyright law is everyone’s responsibility. However, for school librarians, that obligation is especially critical because the ethical use of information is a cornerstone of our profession.
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) expects candidates to understand economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. GPS candidates will access and use information ethically and legally. Plagiarism, cheating in coursework, appropriating intellectual property (including internet sources), misusing library or department materials (including databases) or lending privileges are examples of unethical and in some cases, illegal behavior. Candidates are expected to read and adhere to the GPS policy.
Here is an explanation of plagiarism.
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) expects candidates to understand economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. GPS candidates will access and use information ethically and legally. Plagiarism, cheating in coursework, appropriating intellectual property (including internet sources), misusing library or department materials (including databases) or lending privileges are examples of unethical and in some cases, illegal behavior. Candidates are expected to read and adhere to the GPS policy.
Here is an explanation of plagiarism.
When You Finish Your Degree
When you graduate, you need to do one more thing--call your state department of education, either Maryland State Department of Education or Pennsylvania Department of Education. Request an application for certification. You'll need to have an official transcript of your McDaniel coursework sent to the state department.
When you request your transcript from the registrar, also ask that a transcript be sent to you. OPEN IT--and check to see that we have have printed the following words on it: This student has completed a Maryland approved program using recognized state or national standards, with eligibility for certification in School Library Media K-12 and has completed a practicum in School Library Media K-12. This is the wording that the state certification folks will look for.
If you are seeking PA certification, you'll need to take an exit Praxis exam in school librarianship. Either your district or your state department will give you the instructions.
After you graduate, continue professional growth opportunities. In a few years, please consider seeking National Board Certification as a Library Media Specialist. Here are two links with information: AASL and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Keep us posted on your successes. Your chosen profession has the power to change lives.
A PEEK AT GRAD LIFE
"A librarian's job is definitely not easier than a classroom teacher. It is a different kind of contribution to the school, a more holistic approach with lots of details that go on in the background that nobody ever sees."
Jill Killby, Charles County Public Schools.
Erin Ferguson (and pal), Frederick County Public Schools.
When you request your transcript from the registrar, also ask that a transcript be sent to you. OPEN IT--and check to see that we have have printed the following words on it: This student has completed a Maryland approved program using recognized state or national standards, with eligibility for certification in School Library Media K-12 and has completed a practicum in School Library Media K-12. This is the wording that the state certification folks will look for.
If you are seeking PA certification, you'll need to take an exit Praxis exam in school librarianship. Either your district or your state department will give you the instructions.
After you graduate, continue professional growth opportunities. In a few years, please consider seeking National Board Certification as a Library Media Specialist. Here are two links with information: AASL and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Keep us posted on your successes. Your chosen profession has the power to change lives.
A PEEK AT GRAD LIFE
"A librarian's job is definitely not easier than a classroom teacher. It is a different kind of contribution to the school, a more holistic approach with lots of details that go on in the background that nobody ever sees."
Jill Killby, Charles County Public Schools.
Erin Ferguson (and pal), Frederick County Public Schools.