*Please be aware that we had some minor technical difficulties during the webinar, specifically from 10:40 – 12:35 and 15:08 – 18:45.

The American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) is inviting colleges that offer Library Technical Assistant (LTA) degrees or certificates to participate in a project which may allow their graduates to receive Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) without having to further demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

ALA-APA believes that LTA degrees or certificates coupled with the LSSC will benefit graduates, the library in which they work, and library users. Lorelle Swader, Director of ALA-APA, said, “LTA graduates will be recognized for their acquired skills and knowledge with this national certification, which is becoming a standard for our profession. The LSSC will show employers of these graduates that they are serious about their work and their future.”

Over the next year, the ALA-APA will review participating college curriculums to find if graduates must complete courses that cover the majority of LSSC’s competency requirements. If ALA-APA and the college sign an agreement, ALA-APA will offer a reduction in the LSSC’s enrollment fee to 10 college students and promotional assistance to the college.

Colleges with such agreements include the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana; Palomar College in San Marcos, California; Illinois Central College, in East Peoria, Illinois; and Waubonsee Community College in Aurora, Illinois.

Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the American Library Association established the LSSC Program and supports ALA-APA’s work with LTA programs.

To find out more about this degree or certification recognition agreements project, or about the LSSC Program, please contact Karen Strege, LSSC Co-Director, at kstrege@msn.com.