Library Journal writes that The ALA’s Allied Professional Association (ALA APA) is set to launch its certification program for public library administrators.
The certification, the first of its kind to be offered in the United States, is a course and evaluation-based national, portable program specifically for public librarians with at least three years of supervisory experience.
But first, the organization is taking RFPs for educators to conduct the training, beginning in September 2005. Lots more information about the program here at the ALA APA website.
question
Why is it only for public librarians? None of the following subject areas apply to academic administration?
“Budget and Finance; Management of Technology; Organization and Personnel Administration; Facility Management and Maintenance ; Current Issues; Marketing; Fundraising/Grantsmanship; Politics and Networking; and Serving Diverse Populations”
Re:question
My guess is that: a) They had to start somewhere; and b) Most academic positions are faculty positions, and that certification would not be a factor in hiring/advancing management.
Re:question
Well apparently the MLS is a failure at producing leaders and something tells me a PhD doesn’t cover budgets and staff issues so what does being a faculty position matter if you don’t have the education to do the job?
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That, I think, is a question for universities, not ALA APA.
Re:question
So its okay for ALA-APA to stick its nose in the hiring practises of towns and cities but not universities? I’m sensing a double-standard here.
Sounds more like another scheme
Supposedly, the MLS/MIS (or whatever letters they use these days) is the terminal degree in the profession. So, where exactly is this coming from? It sounds more like another scheme for universities to make money out what is likely a weak degree/certification. If readers want an idea of what I mean, they should look at recent reports about programs for public school administrators being rated as the weakest programs universities have to offer. One example is in the April 15th edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education. Given what they are offering to teach, it does not sound any more different or innovative. As for higher education, faculty in other fields do not have to be certified in any way to become deans or department heads (although God knows some of them could certainly learn a thing or two about management). Academic librarians are often faculty, so there would be the reason for them not to need it, not to mention it would likely not do anything for them in terms of academic advancement. That is just the reality of higher education. As for double standard some commenters cite, maybe ALA-APA should stay out of cities and public libraries’ business as well, just to keep things even. At any rate,much of leadership is pretty much innate (you got or you don’t) and learned by experience. The finance and business stuff can be learned, but another hoop to jump through, not to mention spend money on, is not the answer. Of course, much of this may be moot since they are doing it anyhow.
Re:Sounds more like another scheme
“Of course, much of this may be moot since they are doing it anyhow.”
Still important because right now the program is optional. They are not pushing to make certification a requirement *yet*. So push back now and tell them to beef up the MLS. That and point out the MLS isn’t just a terminal degree, its the only one. They should start investing in pre-graduate programs that are probably less expensive and more appropriate for librarians who don’t really need an MLS and save that for the big guns.
Certification
Ohio implemented this a while back. To be a Certified Public Librarian in Ohio, you must have 1) an ALA/MLS, and 2)two years of public library experience at the professional level. You renew the certification after 5 years by completeing so many continuing education credits.
http://www.olc.org/certification.asp
Now, I applied for and received certification when this first started several years ago. Once 5 years are up, I lose my certification (I’ve been out of public libraries for many years, and I haven’t done any CE workshops). However, if I were applying for it NOW, for the first time, I’d qualify. I still have the MLS and over two years of professional experience, even though it was many years ago. Whether or not I qualify depends on when I apply, not what my experience is.
And the cost is $50.
So lets pretend that I and someone else with exactly the same background were applying for a job that required this certification. If they had just applied for certification last week, they’d qualify for the job. Since I applied 5 years ago and and the certification has now run out, I don’t qualify. Mind you, we have EXACTLY the same degree, experience and CE credits.
Re:Certification .
Can you cite this for me please. I try to maintain an up to date listing of librarian certifications
I’d like to update my list