Library Science, MLS

Program Coordinator: Kaye Dotson (108 Ragsdale Hall; 252-328-2787; dotsonl@ecu.edu)

Contacts by Area of Focus:

Academic Librarianship: Barbara Marson (172 B Ragsdale Hall; 252-328-6782; marsonb@ecu.edu)
Public Librarianship: Lou Sua (104 B Ragsdale Hall; 252-328-2315; sual@ecu.edu)
School Librarianship: Kaye Dotson (108 Ragsdale Hall; 252-328-2787; dotsonl@ecu.edu)

The master of library science is a totally online degree program designed for students seeking employment as librarians and information professionals in Pre K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, public libraries, and related settings. All students are eligible for NC Public Library Certification upon completion of the MLS degree requirements. Seven core courses (21 s.h.) are required of all students to be taken in a consecutive series.

The degree requires a minimum requirement of 39 s.h. as follows:

1. Core - 21 s.h.

2. Areas of focus - 18 s.h.

Select one area of focus from below:

a. Academic librarianship:

LIBS 6810 - Academic Libraries
LIBS 6852 - Digital Libraries
LIBS 6856 - Information Literacy and Library Instruction
LIBS 6992 - Internship: Seminar
6 s.h. of approved electives

b. Public librarianship:

c. School librarianship:

The following courses are required for public school licensure:

Notes:

The 076 Media Coordinator license also requires a satisfactory score on the Media Coordinator Praxis/NTE (National Teacher’s exam). LIBS 6989 - Early Internship is a prerequisite for students seeking media coordinator licensure and lacking an initial teaching licensure. Prospective school pathway applicants who hold an undergraduate degree or graduate degree in another discipline must complete the full MLS degree requirements, as specified above (39 or 42 s.h.).
Applicants holding a graduate degree in library science who are seeking school licensure are required to submit transcripts for evaluation. Upon review, a course of study will be determined to meet the competencies of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the American Association of School Librarians of the American Library Association working with the Council for Educator Preparation.