Library Management Certification

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Many library managers come into their position without formal management training, and even those that do often come into management positions with gaps in their knowledge and experience that make effective management a major challenge.

This ALA-APA certification program will provide a unique, flexible, and practical way to fill those gaps and take management skills to a new level. Learners will be able to gain hands-on experience through recorded lectures, interactive assignments, and detailed assessments. Experienced managers, new managers, and aspiring managers will gain the skills needed to manage library staff, services, and facilities more effectively.

Courses in the program include:

  • Fundamentals of Library Management
  • Budget and Finance
  • Human Resources and Managing People
  • Library Building and Facility Management
  • Advocacy and Working with Stakeholders
  • Emergency Response

By attaining this certification, participants will:

  • Understand key areas of library management, including employees, trustees, finances, legal issues, library policies, emergency planning, and facilities, and how these apply to their community and library environment.
  • Gain proficiency in at least three key areas of management responsibility through elective courses. 
  • Have the ability to manage a library facility and staff in a variety of different settings, regardless of prior experience.

Pre-requisites for participation:

To qualify to take this certification program, you must meet one 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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