The Nuts and Bolts of Educating Pre-Service School Librarians for Quality Reference Work

Abstract

School librarians and their professional work lie at the heart of providing information in easily accessible formats to students, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents. School librarians play important roles in promoting critical thinking, the wise use of information, and the encouragement of democratic societies. This article outlines a paradigm for the pre-service education of the modern school librarian and school library media specialist. This discussion reflects the influence of state-endorsed standards, examinations, and certifications in how school librarians are educated for service in civil society. Based on examples provided by Texas School Librarian Certification Standards, this article outlines major curriculum areas that preparation programs for school librarians and library media specialists offer today's pre-service students.