Library Information Specialist Endorsement

NLU courses meet the Illinois standards for the Library Information Specialist K–12 Endorsement. Earning the endorsement calls for both coursework and fulfilling additional requirements. Candidates are referred to the website of the Illinois State Board of Education for specific requirements, updates and amendments. Students are not required to be admitted to NLU if earning the endorsement independently of any degree program or certificate.

Coursework:

  • 24 SH of content coursework (see the tables below for specific courses)
  • A minimum grade of “C” in all coursework

Additional requirements:

  • Candidates must have valid and active Illinois educator credentials (early childhood education, elementary, secondary or Special Type 10 certificate)
  • Candidates must pass Content Test 175
  • Candidates must have two middle school courses or must show a middle school endorsement on their certificate for Type 03 (grades 5–8) and Type 09 (grades 6–8) certificates
  • Note: Candidates are eligible for federal financial aid only for courses used for a degree in which the candidate is simultaneously enrolled.

Recommended School Library Information Specialist (LIS) Courses

RLS510Introduction to School Libraries

RLS511School Library Collection Development

RLS512School Library Administration and Advocacy

RLS513Organizational Knowledge of Library Materials

RLS514Teaching Research to Children and Adolescents

RLS591Supervised Experience in School Libraries

Note: RLS 591 can be taken for a total of 2 SH

Recommended Courses from the Language and Literacy Education Program

RLL520Survey of Literature for Children and Adolescents

RLL528Survey of Multicultural Literature K-12

RLL522Adolescent Literature

RLL523Storytelling

RLL595Special Topics/Language Arts

Recommended Courses from the Technology in Education Program

TIE533Technology Based Analysis and Databased Decision Making

TIE535Instructional Design for Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum

or

TIE536Integrating Technology across the Curriculum

and

TIE542Designing Internet Resources for Teaching and Learning

TIE553Computer Images and Videos as Classroom Resources

TIE585Workshop/Technology in Education/Instructional Practices

Note: The total minimum semester hours leading to the Library Information Specialist Endorsement is 24 SH.