Requirements For Certification Tracks And Specializations

Three certification tracks are available so participants can pursue continuing education that is more relevant to their particular needs.

The three tracks and the requirements for achieving certification in each track are given below:

1. Library Administrator Track (required for all public library directors)

60 continuing education credits earned in a 4-year period which includes:

Minimum of 20 credits in the Library Administration CE category

Minimum of 10 credits in each of the other 3 CE categories (Library Services to the Public, Collection Management and Technical Services, and Technology)

Balance of credits are electives

2. Library Staff Track

60 continuing education credits earned in a 4-year period which includes:

Minimum of 10 credits in each of the 4 CE categories (Library Administration, Library Services to the Public, Collection Management and Technical Services, and Technology)

Balance of credits are electives

3. Trustee Track

15 continuing education credits earned in a 4-year period which includes:

Minimum of 10 credits in the Library Administration CE category

Balance of credits are electives and can be earned in any CE category (Library Services to the Public, Collection Management and Technical Services, and Technology)

Specializations

There are also certification specializations available that make it possible for participants to be recognized for continuing education in a given category that is above and beyond the basic certification requirement.Participants can earn a specialization in Collection Management and Technical Services, Library Services to the Public, and/or Technology by accumulating a minimum of 20 credits (10 credits for trustees) in that category.Because there is a Library Administrator Track, there is not a specialization in the Library Administration continuing education category. Individuals interested in Library Administration as a specialization are encouraged to pursue the Library Administrator Track.

NOTE: One contact hour of qualified training equals one continuing education credit. See the Certification And College Coursework- Including MLS/MLIS Degrees section of this manual for information about using college credits for certification.