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ALA-APA seeks providers for public librarian certification

CHICAGO – The American Library Association – Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) launched a certification program for public librarians in 2006. Currently, ALA-APA is seeking educators to provide courses for candidates to fulfill for the Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) designation.

The certification program is based on the assumption that a broad range of organizations, including library schools, consortia and systems, state agencies and others may offer CPLA- approved courses.

The goal of the certification program is to improve the quality of library service through the provision of practical knowledge and skills essential to successful library management. This 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 who have had at least three years of supervisory experience. The program incorporates nine standards that will allow candidates to demonstrate mastery of the breadth of skills necessary for library and human resource management.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) is available above. Potential providers may be American Library Associations Divisions, library schools, independent consultants, vendors, regional library systems, etc. The RFP will ask for continuing education program providers who offer courses with an evaluative-based component related specifically to the administration of public libraries of all sizes. These courses, workshops, or institutes may be delivered in a variety of methods, such as face-to-face or online. The CPLA Certification Review Committee will approve successful provider applications.

Jointly, the Public Library Association (PLA), Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA), and the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) developed the nine comprehensive competencies that define the skill sets necessary for a post-MLS management-focused curriculum. The goal is to further the development of librarians in management as well as those who aspire to hold administrative positions. The standards on which courses should focus are:

Core (required):

Electives (3 of 5 required):

If you would like to participate in this innovative educational opportunity for librarians, please contact the ALA-APA Office at 312-280-2424 or lswader@ala.org.