I was hired directly out of Library School by the City of Duncan to be groomed as their Library Director. All of my administrative training was gained through personal research, workshops, and trial and error.—Wendy Allen, Roanoke Public Library, VA
I feel unprepared in some key areas of directorship, such as budgeting and facility management, and this is why I am excited and would greatly benefit from the Certified Public Library Administrator Program. This certification would provide the knowledge and skills to take me to the next level in my profession, by building on the foundations learned in graduate school.— Jennifer Plohr, Ela Area Public Library District, IL
It has been 25 years since I graduated from library school. The demands made upon librarians and libraries have changed dramatically since 1981. I have acquired the skills needed to manage human and information resources; however, it is more difficult to find educational opportunities that focus on the business side of library management.—Lois Blythe, Burlington Public Library, VT
I seek to become a Certified Public Library Administrator to give my experience professionally recognized depth and the physical validation of a title.—Patricia Linville, City of Seward, AK
I would also like to be able to contribute to the library profession.—Suzanne Cline, Amos Memorial Public Library, OH
My career goals are to continually improve my skills and knowledge in order to improve and streamline existing library services, to manage library personnel as a leader, and to strive to offer new services to meet the continually shifting needs of today's highly educated and motivated public.—Debra Czarnik, Lee County Library System, FL
Although I began my career in Medical Libraries, it was in public libraries that I found professional and personal fulfillment. Janice Fisher, Riverside Public Library, IL
My director has stated that she will be retiring in three years. She looks at me to follow her.—June Kruer, Charlestown-Clark County Public Library, IN
I believe the mission and vision of any organization should inspire and energize those who work in it. I enthusiastically enjoy the challenge of managing the many aspects of a busy public library. I strive to keep pace with the rapidly changing field of information science, knowledge management and overall public library management.—Karen Mahnk, Town of Lake Park Library, FL
I believe CPLA certification will give me a competitive edge in the job market and help alleviate any reservations an employer may have about the breadth of my experience.—Mary Medjo Me Zengue, Addison Public Library, IL
I have the privilege of being the director of a small public library in Exeter, RI, that opened in September of 2004. This town never had a library before.—Amy Neilson, Exeter Public Library, RI
If you have any questions about the CPLA program, please call 800-545-2433, x2424.
Copyright 2004–2008 ALA-APA. Contact Jenifer Grady, 50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-280-2424, jgrady@ala.org for more information.
The Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) Program has candidates just like you, whether you’ve had three or thirty years of management experience, love continuing education or do it because you know you must to advance, live in a small town or a large city. If you identify with one of these stories, consider applying to become a candidate of the CPLA program before January 5, 2007—