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School Library Certification Program

Description of Project:

The need to educate librarians is as crucial as ever. One critical need for librarians is based in the fact that many librarians are reaching retirement age. Another need is related to the tremendous changes in local schools resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Although the storm had an impact on the entire five-parish area that the University of New Orleans serves–Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and St. Tammany parishes– devastation was especially significant in four school districts, including the New Orleans Public Schools. Many personnel associated with the various schools devastated by the storm have relocated to other areas, both in and out of state. It is critical that a “pipeline” of school librarians be prepared to assume this essential role in metropolitan area schools. Research clearly showsthat a strong library program in K-12 schools positively affects the high-stakes test scores, and at the heart of a sound library program is a well-educated certified librarian. The UNO library science certification program directly addresses the needs and resources of a K-12 library.

Funds support the university to hire adjunct instructors to offer four courses in the school library certification program annually. Two certification courses are offered in the spring semester, and two in the fall.

Funding Source:

Scholastic Publishers

Length of project: 

January, 2007  to  June, 2011 (5 years)

Total funded amount: 

$81,000

Principal Investigator(s) (PI):

Patricia Austin , Ph.D. & William Sharpton, Ph.D.
Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services

Contact information:

504-280-6526

Patricia Austin , Ph.D.
paustin@uno.edu