Library Paraprofessional and Support Staff Certification

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Description

Library support staff bring invaluable hands-on experience to their work—and now there's a flexible, modern program designed to deepen that expertise with formal credentials. ALA-APA is pleased to offer a modern, flexible solution to this problem: The new Library Support Staff Certification Program. 

This program consists of six rigorous, self-paced courses that provide grounded, practical training in Library and Information Science for staff in any type of library and with any level of prior experience. Once enrolled, participants can work at their own pace over an 18-month period. Courses include extensive lectures, exclusive reading materials, practical exercises and worksheets, and rigorous assessments. Those who complete the program will earn a certification through ALA-APA that will assist with their current job and help build their resume.

Courses in the program include: 

  • Core Course: The Fundamentals of Library Services
  • Reference and Information Services
  • Collection Development
  • Cataloging
  • Programming and Outreach
  • Library Management

By attaining this certification, participants will: 

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of information sciences and current developments and challenges in the modern information landscape. 
  • Understand the core principles library and information ethics and have the ability to apply them to basic service work in a variety of library settings. 
  • Attain basic proficiency in at least three areas of library services.

Pre-requisites for participation:

To qualify to take this certification program, you must meet both of the following requirements: 

  • You must hold a high school diploma or GED. 
  • You must be currently employed in a library position or have at least six months of library work experience.

In order to complete a course in the program, learners must: 

  • View all course videos and course reading materials. 
  • Complete and submit all written assignments. 
  • Achieve a score of 75% or greater to move onto the next module and pass a course.

If you have any questions or concerns, including about accessibility, please contact us at ce@ala.org.

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