How to Get Certified as a Library Media Specialist in NH

Library Media Specialist (LMS) is listed as an Instructional Specialist on NH’s Department of Education Endorsement list. Currently, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate skills, competencies, and knowledge under the 508.07 Credential Standards for Education Personnel.

Library Media Specialist was removed from the Critical Shortage list in April 2022. This means that schools are only able to hire individuals with a current LMS certification without an exemption from NH’s Department of Education. We are continuing to monitor updates to the rules.

In order to get certified today, you will need to take graduate-level courses leading to this certification.

You can search for programs that lead to a certification-only, Masters of Library Science (MLS), Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS), or Masters of Education (MEd) with a major in school librarianship. The American Library Association (ALA) accredits MLS and MLIS programs (find a searchable database here). The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) nationally recognizes programs with a major in school librarianship (find a list of programs here).