The Executive Board of the American Library Association approved
the establishment of a certification program for library support staff
at its Monday, July 13, meeting in Chicago. The LSSC Program is the
first national, voluntary certification program for library support
staff. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library
Services, the program will now enter a testing phase in five library
organizations across the United States.
Camilla Alire, ALA president, said, “This innovative certification
program demonstrates the value of all library support staff to our
national association and to our nation’s libraries. LSS are critical to
the success of our libraries in meeting the needs of our users.”
Candidates must demonstrate achievement of six sets of competencies. Three of the sets, Foundations of Library Service, Technology and Communications and Teamwork are required. Candidates must also demonstrate achievement of three sets chosen from seven additional competency sets. Candidates will either complete approved courses or submit portfolios that demonstrated their achievement.
Here is the document that was approved by the Executive Board.
Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)
This is a great step forward.
I have worked during my LIS class with the Arizona State Library classes for paraprofessionals/technicians and know other states have similar programs.
Mesa Community College here in the Valley of the Sun offers classes on what these folks, who are the real backbone of any library, need to know.
Many LIS grads are going to this – before and/or after – their graduation to learn what is needed besides the *lofty* LIS stuff. **Really what many libraries expect new grads should now – you know: cataloging, public service, book repair, etc.
GOOD FOR ALA – Rob Lindley, Surprise AZ
Looking for a position