Library Certificates & Library Education

After receiving my Library Certificate (Level 2- Professional) from the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Education, I wondered if there was a National Librarian Certification. I’ve quoted a brief understanding of this link below. Unfortunately, there is not an overall librarian certificate at a national level (without specializing), but I did find other options that I thought I would share.

The American Library Association- Allied Professional Association provides two certificates, the first is the Certified Public Library Administrator(CPLA). The second is for those who only have a high school degree (or equivalent) and have “worked (paid or unpaid) in Libraries for at least one year” and is called the Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC). Further information about certificates can be found on this ALA-APA webpage, which includes State/Regional Certifications (primarily for public library staff). This last link is important as it gives you an idea of the differences between states (for example: range of price (free in Michigan), whether mandatory or voluntary, etc).

History of why there is no National Librarian Certification:

“In 2006, the American Library Association–Allied Professional Association is launching its first national certification, for public librarians who have three or more years of supervisory experience. The goal of the Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) program is to improve the quality of library service through the provision of practical knowledge and skills essential to successful library management.”

Some Organizations that do have certificates (may require fees).

From the ALA-APA website:

“Organizations listed below have issued formal statements about their views on certification for the profession:

·       American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

·       Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)

·       American Library Association (ALA)

·       Library and Information Studies Education and Human Resource Utilization Statement (LEPU)

·       Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (ALA)

·       Medical Library Association Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP)

·       Special Library Association (SLA)“

Another resource for those seeking information about School Library Media Certification by State provided by School Library Monthly. 

Although this post is mostly for those who already have their Master’s degree, do not give up if you do not. The Library of Michigan offers several levels of certificates, the lowest levels require a workshop to be completed.

When choosing to receive a Librarian degree, make sure to receive on that is ALA approved as most employers require this when applying.

Here is the link to ALA approved schools:

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