Most states require students to submit a transcript with a “state-approved program stamp” in order to add additional certification fields to an existing valid teaching certificate. In order to receive this stamp on the transcript, students must complete all the requirements listed below (including the Florida exams), even if they have no intention of ever being a school library media specialist in the state of Florida. Students who intend to pursue certification outside the state of Florida should also contact their own State Department of Education certification offices for any additional requirements before beginning the FSU program. It is the responsibility of the student to meet requirements of the state where they seek certification. The Florida State University College of Information makes no guarantees that completion of the school library media specialist certification program will be accepted in any other state but Florida.

1. Courses (36 credits)

• LIS 5271 – Research in Information Studies (3)
• LIS 5313 – Design and Production of Media Resources (3)
• LIS 5362 – Design and Production of Network Multimedia (3)
• LIS 5408 - Management of Information Organizations (3) (prerequisite LIS 5411)
• LIS 5411- Introduction to Information Policy (3)
• LIS 5512 – School Collection Development and Management (3)
• LIS 5524 – Instructional Role of the Information Specialist (3)
• LIS 5564 – Information Needs of Children (3)
• LIS 5565 – Information Needs of Young Adults (3)
• LIS 5603 - Introduction to Information Services (3)
• LIS 5703 – Information Organization (3)
• LIS 5945 - Internship in Information Studies (3) (Last semester)

EFFECTIVE FALL SEMESTER 2008. Please note that the changes are applicable only AS INDICATED BELOW and ONLY STARTING WITH FALL 2008:

• LIS 5271 OR LIS 5203
• LIS 5411 OR LIS 5916, Foundations of the Information Professions
• LIS 5408 (LIS 5411 will be eliminated as a prerequisite as of Fall 2008)
• LIS 5703

If you are graduating in the Summer 2008, you MUST complete the core courses as currently required – that is, LIS 5271, 5411, 5408, and 5703. You do not have the options listed above. Anyone graduating AFTER Summer 2008 is eligible to meet the revised core requirements.

If you have questions, please contact Susanne M. Houff, Graduate Coordinator.

2. Evidence of Certification

During your first semester of enrollment, you must submit a copy of your valid teaching certificate and proof of prior student teaching to Dr. Linda Swaine. FAX: (850)644-6253

3. Teacher Certification Exams

The Florida Teacher Certification Exams are a prerequisite to graduation. Therefore they must be taken the semester prior to graduation so that scores can be secured in time. Submit documentation of passing scores on the following Florida Teacher Certification Exams:

1. Professional Education
2. General Knowledge
3. Subject Area – Educational Media Specialist

When you register for the exams, request that the results be sent to FSU. If you have already taken any exams, FAX a copy of the results to:

1. Dr. Diane Hodgins, FSU College of Education, at (850)644-3760.
2. Dr. Linda Swaine, FSU College of Information, at (850)644-6253.

The Professional Education, Educational Media Specialist, and a portion of the General Knowledge Exam can be taken online at various test sites throught Florida and other U.S. locations. The essay portion of the General Knowledge Exam must be taken at an official Florida examination center. It is possible to schedule the entire paper and pencil General Knowledge Exam in Florida and the Professional Education and Educational Media Specialist Exams at a computer testing location in Florida on subsequent days.

4. State Certification

After completion of all the above requirements, application must be made to your State Department of Education for adding an area of certification.