Certification Program for Kentucky Public Libraries

The Certification Board believes that library staff must increase their skills and knowledge through continuing education in order to keep abreast of developments in the information age. This, in turn, upgrades the library profession, enriches the individual librarian, and promotes quality library service. Thus, the goals of this certification program are:

• to improve library service throughout the state;
• to motivate public librarians to acquire, maintain, and develop their skills through basic and continuing education;
• to recognize public librarians who, on a continuing basis, update their knowledge and skills in order to provide better library service to their patrons;
• to improve the public image of librarians and libraries;
• to provide guidelines for public library boards and supervisors to use in selecting and retaining personnel; and
• to aid in structuring library educational programs to better meet the educational needs of librarians.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Librarian Certification

For more details on these and other questions, refer to The 2001 Certification Manual.

Why do I need to be certified?

• Improves library services in Kentucky
• Encourages librarians to acquire, maintain, and develop skills through continuing education
• Recognizes librarians who update their knowledge and skills to provide better library services
• Improves the public image of librarians and libraries
• Provides guidelines for public library boards to use in developing policies for hiring staff
• Required when library seeks grant funding
• It is statutory requirement per KRS 171.230-300

Who among public library staff is required to be certified?

All part-time and full-time Library Directors, Assistant Librarians (Directors), Branch Heads, Department Heads, and Bookmobile (Outreach Services) Librarians.

Full-time employees who provide library information services to the public.

Who governs the certification program?

The Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians is the governing body. Members are appointed by the governor from a list submitted by the board of directors of Kentucky Library Association and recommended by the State Librarian.

Board membership consists of:

• The State Librarian (ex-officio member)
• Two full-time degreed librarians in active public library work
• Two public library trustees
• One librarian faculty from a department or school of library science at a state university

What are the different types of certificates available?

There are four levels of certification. The are the Temporary, Library Experience, Paraprofessional, and the Professional I, II or III. Each certificate is determined by the amount of formal education attained and/or the number of years worked at any library.

What are the various requirements for certification?

How do I renew my certificate?

In order to continue participating in the certification program:

• Individuals must submit a renewal application every five years
• Individuals must include certification renewal points for learning activities which occurred during the five years the certificate was valid.
• Professional and Paraprofessional Certificate holders must complete ten CRP's (100 contact hours) of approved continuing education training.
• Individuals with the Library Experience certificate must complete five CRP's (50 contact hours) of approved continuing education training.

Individuals with a Temporary certificate must apply for one of the above certificates anytime during the five-year period the certificate is valid. Temporary certificates are not renewable.

How do I apply for certification?

Complete and mail an the Initial Certification form along with a $5.00 fee and all required documentation to:

Kentucky State Board for the Certification of Librarians

P.O. Box 537

Frankfort, KY 40602-0537

What are some sources of education for certification renewal?

There are several ways to obtain certification renewal points. Some of them are below. For more details, refer to the Certification Manual.

• Taking job-related coursework from a college/university (class, institute, seminar, workshop, conference, or lecture series)
• Holding an office at a professional library association
• Participating in a seminar, workshop, conference, institute, or lecture series sponsored by KDLA
• Attend workshops, lecture series, and training programs sponsored by the individual library.
• Writing reviews of library materials, or editing a library publication, in a professional publication.

If you have other questions regarding the Kentucky public librarian certification program, contact Beth Milburn by email at beth.milburn@ky.gov or by phone at 502-564-8300, ext. 219.