UNK’s online school librarian programs that actually check out

Libraries have never been just about books.

At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, students can prepare for this evolving field through two specialized online graduate programs: Curriculum & Instruction: School Librarian M.A.Ed. and Learning Design & Technology: School Librarian M.S.Ed.

Both programs lead to a School Librarian Endorsement, equipping future librarians with the skills to thrive in today’s technology-driven education system. UNK also offers an online endorsement program for teachers looking to add a school librarian teaching endorsement to their credentials.

Despite the growing demand for librarians, misconceptions still persist. Let’s discern fact from fiction: 

Fiction: Librarians only stock shelves. 
Fact: Librarians are research experts, tech leaders, and educators.

Think librarians just organize books? Think again.

UNK’s Dean of the Library Evan Boyd remembers the days of flipping through thick, printed indexes just to find a research article.

“Over the years, we started having more and more electronic access to journal literature and then eBooks eventually became another major part of library collections,” Dean Boyd said.

That shift didn’t just change libraries—it transformed the role of librarians.

“At the same time, librarians became less focused on developing a print collection and more focused on developing skills that would assist researchers, such as data management, media literacy, and special collections that allow researchers to become better at utilizing the growing number of tools available at their fingertips,” he explained.

Today, librarians are the ultimate research guides, helping students navigate online databases, evaluate sources, and become savvy digital citizens. UNK’s programs ensure future school librarians are more than bookkeepers—they’re educators, tech leaders, and critical thinking champions.

Fiction: Libraries are dying.
Fact: Libraries are evolving.

Libraries aren’t disappearing—they’re transforming into technology hubs for students and teachers.

“As instructional leaders, librarians are responsible for teaching classroom teachers how to access credible information through search engines and online databases,” Associate Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Judy Henning said.

Digital literacy is a skill many new educators may have, but one that may be necessary to teach to those nearing retirement.

“This is incredibly true now with AI,” Dr. Henning continued. “School librarians are leaders in providing professional development for staff on artificial intelligence applications and how AI can increase learning.”

With 402.74 million terabytes of data created each day, the world needs librarians who specialize in managing information (Exploding Topics). UNK’s School Librarian programs prepare graduates to embrace these advancements, helping both students and teachers thrive in a tech-focused classroom.

Fiction: AI and Google will replace librarians.
Fact: Librarians are needed now more than ever.

Google launched nearly 30 years ago (millennials—sorry if that makes you feel old), and AI-powered search engines are growing by the second. Yet, libraries haven’t disappeared.

Why? Because Google gives you answers, librarians teach you how to think critically about those answers.

“Librarians are very focused on making certain students can critically assess the tools they use and the research they read,” Boyd said.

In an era of misinformation and “fake news,” UNK-trained school librarians play a vital role in helping students determine what’s accurate, credible, and useful.

The Future of Librarianship Starts at UNK

Libraries aren’t fading—they’re expanding their impact. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for librarians continues to grow at a steady rate.

As schools rely on librarians to teach, innovate, and lead, UNK’s programs ensure graduates are ready to meet the challenge.

This story was co-written with ChatGPT. All contents were edited to add a human touch and fact-checked to ensure accuracy.