Online Media Specialist Degree Program Overviews by Program Level

Media specialists work in libraries, instructing students and educators how to use online and electronic educational materials. Online media specialist degrees are generally offered as concentrations within library science master's degree programs and as dedicated graduate certificate programs.

Online Media Specialist Graduate Certificate Program Overview

A media specialist works in a library, often on a school or university campus, and helps patrons in the use of library resources. They also advise teachers and professors on the integration new technologies into the classroom. This graduate-level certificate program educates students in both the latest content-delivery technologies and the latest instructional methods.
Requirements for working as a library media specialist vary by state. Some online programs offer media specialist graduate certificate programs to individuals who are already working as librarians or teachers. Students who are not licensed as librarians or teachers can study to become media specialists through an online master's degree in library science with a concentration in media studies.

Program Information and Requirements

Some media specialist certificate programs offer all courses online, while others offer selected classes online but require that students attend other classes on campus. Many programs also include a field experience component that can be completed near a student's area of residence.
Classes and associated lectures, assignments and readings are usually delivered via a content management system (CMS). Students must purchase textbooks if required.

List of Common Media Specialist Courses

Courses tend to focus primarily on electronic and online sources, though some traditional resources may be discussed. Some classes introduce particular types of library media, while others focus on instructional techniques for introducing teachers and patrons to the use of new technologies.

Technology and Curriculum Course

Students learn about contemporary learning technology and educational theories. They develop strategies for integrating new media into school curricula. They also explore current information literacy standards from state school boards and learn about techniques for educating students in the use of technology.

Library Computer Course

A library computer course introduces students to the electronic resources that libraries provide to patrons. Digital reference sources, online materials and softwares are discussed.

Reference Sources Course

Students learn about contemporary print and digital reference materials that are useful for children and teenagers. The course deals with techniques for developing patron research skills and information literacy capabilities.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), available positions for media specialists and other librarians were predicted to increase at a rate on par with the national average during the 2008-2010 decade (www.bls.gov). In 2009, the average annual salary for librarians was $55,670 according to the BLS.

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Online Master of Library of Science Degree Program with Media Specialist Concentration

One of the most common and versatile ways of qualifying to work as a media specialist is to enroll in a Master of Library Science program that includes a media studies or media specialist concentration. At the core, such programs emphasize various aspects of library science, from acquiring and managing collections to interacting with patrons. Specialized information technology and new media coursework occurs as part of the media concentration.
No library science degree options are available at the bachelor's level; however, students with bachelor's degrees can apply to library science graduate programs. Library science degree programs usually do not require that students have any previous experience with library work.

Program Information and Requirements

Most Master of Library Science programs take 2-3 years to complete, depending on how many courses a student takes each term. Some universities offer all courses online, while others offer programs in hybrid format, where some classes are available online and some only on-campus. Many programs require that students complete an internship in addition to the coursework.
Students can access course materials and class discussion boards online through the university's CMS. Some classes also require textbooks, and literature survey courses often require the purchase of many books.

List of Common Library Science Courses

A master's degree in library science with a media specialist concentration includes classes in general library collection management and courses specific to new media technologies. Courses also cover techniques for reaching out to library patrons of all ages.

Survey of Young Adult Literature Course

In a young adult literature course, students read classic and contemporary books for teenagers. They also learn strategies for recommending books to patrons.

Library Cataloging Course

Students learn about various systems for organizing and classifying library materials. Systems discussed include Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal.

Collection Management Course

The considerations librarians take into account when acquiring new materials, organizing their collections and eliminating obsolete materials are the focus of this course. Community, budgetary and intellectual factors are also discussed.

Digital Library Materials Course

Students examine online electronic library resources. They learn about the particular concerns of managing digital collections, including access, availability and long-term storage.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the Association for Research Libraries, media specialists accounted for 5.2% of research librarians in 2008 with a reported annual average salary of $53,792 (www.arl.org). Library workers as a whole (including librarians with multiple specialties, business managers, preservationists, archivists, etc.) earned an average annual wage of $63,928 during the same time period.