1. 1. Rationale. Programs for library media specialists develop candidates for service and leadership in school libraries serving P-12 students. The study of library media begins at the Class A level. This Rule highlights those elements distinctive to the library media program. These standards build upon the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, ISTE Standards, and Alabama Specific Standards. The standards are consistent with the Praxis School Librarian Assessment and the current Alabama Course of Study: Technology. Implementation of the standards will be in the Alabama Continuous Improvement guidance.

2. 2. Program Curriculum. The curriculum shall require coursework, key assessments, and field experiences in the following areas:

   1. a. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop skills and knowledge in the application of content.
   2. b. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop skills and knowledge in the learner and learning environments.
   3. c. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop skills and abilities in planning for instruction.
   4. d. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop skills and abilities in program administration and organization and access to resources.
   5. e. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop an ability to plan, implement, assess, and reflect upon research-based instruction to increase student motivation and enhance active learning for all learners.
   6. f. Unique Field Experiences, Practica, and Internship Placement Requirements.  Completion of a library media specialist internship which totals at least 300 clock hours, with at least half of the time in one or more P-12 school libraries, including both elementary and secondary grades. Must be supervised in P-12 schools by individuals who hold a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in library media and who are employed as librarians.

3. 3. Requirements for Class A Certification in Library Media. Readiness to serve as a library media specialist shall include:

   1. a. An official transcript from an accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree in library media. Institution must be approved at the time of degree conferral.
   2. b. Satisfactory completion of a library media program approved by the Alabama State Board of Education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all courses in the program.
   3. c. Successful completion of an internship.
   4. d. One year of full-time acceptable professional educational work experience.
4. 4. Testing for Class A Certification Library Media. Applicants for initial Class A certification in library media must meet the requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP) as a precondition for certification.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-3-16 and 16-23-14.

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .32 was renumbered .35 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

History: New Rule: December 19, 1978. Amended: Filed December 13, 1990; effective February 1, 1991. Repealed and Replaced: Filed January 9, 1997; effective February 13, 1997; operative July 1, 1997. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 11, 2003; effective October 16, 2003. Repealed and New Rule: Filed July 13, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule: April 14, 2005; effective May 19, 2005. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 6, 2007; effective September 10, 2007. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 3, 2009; effective September 7, 2009; operative October 1, 2009. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 13, 2015; effective September 17, 2015. Amended: Filed September 13, 2018; effective October 28, 2018; operative June 1, 2019. Repealed and New Rule: Published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2025; effective May 15, 2025.