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Implementing Communities of Practice (CoP) in online learning is well documented (Gray, 2004; Wenger & Snyder, 2000), and is of particular interest to the LIS profession (Yukawa, 2010). Most of the students in school library programs are practicing teachers seeking to add the library science endorsement to their existing license. They are adults with busy lives, full-time jobs, and family and home commitments who welcome the opportunity provided by part-time distance learning options. This study found that students perceived CoP development to be possible in online part-time graduate coursework, although the barriers of time, commitment to CoP development, and technology issues persisted to defray the effectiveness of the CoP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education for school librarians traditionally blends elements from the fields of LIS and education. A thorough preparation in both professions is necessary since school librarians hold state teaching certification in K-12 library media. A variety of standards from professional organizations guide school librarians in performing their multi-faceted roles, and accordingly inform the curricula of school librarian preparation programs. However, the plethora of standards may actually make it more difficult to determine what standards to include in LIS curricula, and when to include them in educating future school librarians. The implications of competitive aspects of inclusion of each of these standards in school librarian education programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]