How to Become a School Librarian in Kentucky

If obtaining a school librarian position in Kentucky is your career goal, where you earn your master’s degree is an important consideration because it is evaluated as part of your teacher certification.

What are the requirements I need to meet to become a school librarian in Kentucky?

To qualify as a school librarian in the state of Kentucky, individuals must obtain a master’s degree in Library Science, in addition to holding a valid Kentucky K–12 teaching license. In addition, individuals must achieve a minimum score of 156 on the Praxis II Library Media Specialist Exam (Praxis 5311) to meet the School Librarian Certification requirements.

Do I need to choose a specific undergraduate major?

Any bachelor’s degree is acceptable to meet the requirements to apply for the MSLS degree, but to be part of the School Librarian program, individuals have to hold a valid teaching certificate, which most people earn through a bachelor’s in education.

What if I plan to work in another state? Will this degree meet licensure requirements?

The online Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree program is designed to meet the school librarian licensing requirements (at time of publishing this article). Students should reference the program licensure map as a resource in learning more about how the UK MSLS program meets licensure requirements for their state. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student to determine licensure requirements of their state prior to enrolling in the program. We strongly recommend students to consult their state’s education certification board to ensure the program aligns with local requirements, especially outside of Kentucky.

Can I become a school librarian without a teaching certification?

No, in Kentucky, school librarians are required to hold a teaching certification alongside a Master of Library Science (or equivalent) degree. Without both credentials, individuals are not eligible for school librarian certification in the state of Kentucky. 

How do I get a teacher certification in Kentucky?

To earn a teacher certification in Kentucky, individuals must:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
2. Complete the Teacher Preparation Program approved by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB)
3. Pass the required Praxis exams for your chosen subject area, along with any necessary professional skills assessments
4. Be able to pass state and federal-level background checks

What if I decide to leave the school environment later down the road, how will my degree allow me to pivot into a new industry?

The program provides students with the expertise needed in information research, data management, and digital organization, preparing them to make meaningful contributions in libraries, archives, academic institutions, museums, and government agencies. This versatile degree opens doors to a broad range of career opportunities in both school library environments and modern digital information systems. 

Why should I choose an ALA-accredited program?

While it is not necessary to be enrolled in an ALA-accredited program, the University of Kentucky offers the only ALA-accredited Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) program in Kentucky. The advantage of an ALA-accredited program is that it prepares individuals to work not only in school libraries but also in other library settings such as public, academic, and special libraries, which often expect or require an ALA-accredited degree. This provides greater flexibility for individuals who may wish to transition into different library environments in the future.

How long is the library science master’s program?

The online Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in approximately 2 years and 2 months, offering an efficient trajectory to your new career. 

Will I be career-ready after earning an MSLS degree?

Yes, the University of Kentucky’s online Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree is designed to prepare students for diverse roles across public, academic, health science, youth services, and other information environments, including digital databases, archives, museums, and national agencies. 

How will I be prepared to pass the Praxis exam?

The program provides preparation for the Praxis II Library Media Specialist Exam for students who plan to obtain certification, a key requirement for the School Librarian Certification. Additionally, the University of Kentucky holds a long record of achieving 100% Praxis pass rates, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in training students for school librarian credentials and professional success.