School Library Information Specialist Endorsement

Already have your Illinois teaching license? Want to expand your professional knowledge, lead your library, and create an innovative learning environment as a school librarian?

The School Library Information Specialist endorsement program will qualify you to apply for endorsement through the State of Illinois. The School Library Information Specialist endorsement program is built around the standards of the American Association of School Librarians.

Completing your endorsement in the School Library Information Specialist program will provide you with competencies to develop and administer school library media services in a multicultural and technological society. Admission to the program is limited to teachers who already have a valid State of Illinois Professional Educator License. (For those seeking initial licensure, see option #3 here.)

Courses taken in the School Library Information Specialist endorsement program may be applicable to a Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) degree upon admission. A minimum of six additional courses plus the portfolio is required.

You may also be interested in this recent feature on CSU alumna Heather McCarthy, 2024 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and K.C. Boyd, 2022 School Librarian of the Year! #CSUProud

Admissions Information

Admission to the School Library Information Specialist endorsement program is available to teachers who hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License with a teaching endorsement.
Enrollment under this option is limited to courses for professional development and additional licensure.

Course Sequence (18 credit hours)

In spring 2024, the LIS curriculum committee approved a draft update for LIS PK12 endorsement courses. This proposal will be reviewed by other campus curriculum committees during the upcoming year.

Incoming/current students may view the proposed update here.

Courses from the previous revision are listed below.

LIS 5050 Foundations of the Info Professions or LIS 5610 Library in Society

LIS 5120 Administration of Media Centers

LIS 5130 Curriculum and the Media Center

One or two of:

LIS 5710 Literature and Services for Young Adults

LIS 5720 Literature and Services for Children

One or two courses (to complete 18 credit hours):

LIS 5060 Organization of Information

LIS 5070 Introduction to Reference Services

LIS 5080 IT for Libraries and Information Agencies

LIS 5090 Research Methods in Library and Information Science

LIS 5110 Communications and Media Centers

LIS 5530 Metadata and Cataloging

LIS 5670 Information Literacy Instruction

LIS 5700 History of Literature for Children and Young Adults

LIS 5750 Seminar in Multicultural Materials

LIS 5900 Seminar in Trends and Problems in Librarianship

Other LIS courses may also be used. Consult with your academic advisor about substitutions.

Technology Specialist Endorsement

Do you want to use technology to encourage excellence in the instructional environment? The Technology Specialist endorsement program will qualify you to apply for endorsement through the State of Illinois.

What does a technology specialist do?

Creates innovative learning environments for youth
Provides resources, strategies, and connections for teaching professionals to maximize student learning
Develops a shared vision for technology integration
Demonstrates and promotes digital citizenship
Develops technology-related professional learning programs and evaluates their impact

Admissions Information

Admission to the Technology Specialist endorsement program is available to teachers who hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License with a teaching endorsement.
Enrollment under this option is limited to courses for professional development and additional licensure.
A total of 18 credit hours is required. Courses are selected with the support of an academic advisor.

Admission to endorsement programs is available every semester. Coursework may be completed entirely online; and it is offered by faculty who teach our graduate programs. Upon completion of endorsement coursework, candidates take a content area test administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS). Information about CSU's Test Center is available here.

*The Master of Science in Library and Information Science program at Chicago State University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Spring 2026.

For additional information about endorsement or to apply, please contact:

Ms. Barbara Belisle

Licensure Office

Education Building, Room 203

Phone: (773)995-2492

Email: bbelisle@csu.edu