Our children and youth programs provide the specialized training needed to serve young library users. No matter how big or small your library may be, you can build collections, programs and services that educate and entertain children of all ages - and we can show you how. Classes related to collection development, technology, instructional methods, literacy, and outreach move beyond theory to provide you with new skills and tools to stay ahead of trends for today's children and young adults.

"I've always believed that education can make a huge difference in people's lives and that all students deserve a good education. Seeing what school libraries can do and how they support that education in so many different ways is what makes me passionate about the field."  Alumna Kathy Lester, Librarian/Media Specialist for Plymouth Canton Community Schools' East Middle School and 2022-2023 President of the American Association of School Librarians. 

Our programs dedicated to children and youth can be completed entirely online and on your own schedule. This flexibility allows you to shape your learning experience to help you grow as an information professional. 

Graduate Certificate in Public Library Services to Children and Young Adults

The Graduate Certificate in Public Library Services to Children and Young Adults may be completed in conjunction with the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree or as a post-MLIS certificate. This 15-credit program includes 9 credits of required coursework and 6 credits of electives. 

School Library Media Endorsement

We offer the coursework necessary for full K-12 endorsement for school library media specialists in Michigan. Study for the MLIS degree requires 36 credit hours; more coursework may be needed for full endorsement.

Experimental School Library Media Program

This experimental program seeks to address the critical shortage in Michigan of certified school librarians by building an abbreviated pathway for teachers to earn the ND endorsement outside of the Master of Library and Information Science degree. This experimental school library program can be completed within 15 credit hours, the same amount of hours it takes to obtain a certificate in the School of Information Sciences.