.04 Library Media Specialist.
A. Definitions.
(1) In this regulation, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(2) Terms Defined.
(a) “Library media” means a variety of communication and information formats and their accompanying technologies appropriate to learning and instruction.
(b) “Library media specialist” means an individual who has developed knowledge, understanding of, and competency in the broad range of library media services, with particular emphasis on those competencies related to the development and administration of a comprehensive school library media program.
B. Pathways to Licensure. To qualify for a Professional Specialist License, a candidate shall complete one of the following pathways:
(1) Maryland Approved Program. Candidates who possess a master’s degree and complete a program approved under COMAR 13A.07.06 leading to licensure as a library media specialist.
(2) Out-of-State Preparation Program. Candidates who possess a master’s degree and complete an approved program leading to licensure as a library media specialist in another state.
(3) Experienced Professional. Candidates who possess a master’s degree, hold a valid professional library media license from another state or country, and submit verification of 3 years of full-time effective experience as a library media specialist.
(4) National Board Certification. Candidates who possess a master’s degree and a National Board Certificate in the area of Library Media.
(5) Master’s Equivalent.
(a) The applicant shall have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution of higher education, to include a program of 36 semester hours of post-baccalaureate credit with 15 semester hours completed at one institution and a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate credit in the content coursework listed in §B(5)(b) of this regulation.
(b) Content coursework shall include:
(i) Administration of library media programs, including an understanding of State and national library media standards and technology standards;
(ii) Materials for children in all formats, including concepts related to the teaching and learning of reading;
(iii) Materials for young adults in all formats, including concepts related to the teaching and learning of reading;
(iv) Selection, evaluation, and use of materials in all formats to meet student curriculum and instructional needs;
(v) Access and delivery of information, including reference and bibliographic systems in all formats;
(vi) Organization of knowledge, including cataloging and classification, and information retrieval in all formats;
(vii) Principles of communication, including dissemination and use of information in all formats; and
(viii) The design, creation, and implementation of library media in all formats for instructional use.
(c) Professional education coursework shall include:
(i) History and philosophy of education;
(ii) Student developmental levels, learning theory, and strategies for identifying student information and learning needs;
(iii) Theory, principles, and methods of instructional design and delivery; and
(iv) Inclusion of special needs student populations.
(d) The professional education coursework listed in §B(5)(b) of this regulation may be met by course credits earned in addition to, or as part of, the undergraduate degree program. The total number of post-baccalaureate credits needed for licensure may not be reduced for course requirements that are met in the applicant’s bachelor’s degree program. Additional post-baccalaureate or graduate courses may be substituted.
(e) An applicant shall satisfactorily complete a school library media practicum, 1 year of full-time teaching experience, or 1 year of full-time school library media-related experience.
C. Special education coursework. In addition to meeting one of the pathways in §B of this regulation, the applicant must present 3 semester hours or State-approved CPD credits in special education coursework.
