School Librarianship Program: Courses

Core Courses

Illinois State University provides students with the opportunity to complete 21 hours of coursework in its core library science curriculum, and 3 hours of electives. To see how these courses meet the requirements of the Illinois content area standards for Library Information Specialist, see our Matrix of School Library Coursework.

TCH 414: Introduction to School Librarianship should be taken by all students during their first semester.  Other core courses do not need to be completed in any particular order, though we do offer a typical schedule of classes for those wishing to plan their course work in advance.

Course descriptions may be found in the Illinois State University Graduate Catalog listed under the Department of Curriculum and Instruction: http://illinoisstate.edu/catalog/pdf/grad.pdf#ci

Online Courses

Each semester, ISU offers three of its core courses online. Students registered for these courses typically meet together in "real time" (synchronously) once a week. Class attendence is required, so students must plan take course meeting times into consideration when planning their schedules. 

Our Blackboard Collaborate courseware provides opportunities for students and faculty members to talk with each other, present and view multimedia presentations, work in small groups, text message each other, and arrange meetings off-line. Blackboard Collaborate  is a robust courseware that enhances the online learning experience.  The software is web-based and students need only an internet connection and a headset to participate.  Students are required to complete a brief online tutorial/orientation before beginning their first class.