Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program

Posted by Alicia on 21 January, 2010 in ALA, Librarians, Library News, Technology

On January 25, 2010, ALA-APA will accept applications from potential candidates interested in achieving the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC). The LSSC Program is the first national, voluntary certification program for library support staff. This new certification program will help library support staff achieve recognition for current and new skills and abilities, and increase access to continuing education opportunities.

ALA and ALA-APA President Camila Alire affirms, “This certification program was much needed for support staff in multi-type libraries across the country. Along with support staff, I am excited that it has finally come to fruition. I encourage library administrators and support staff to take advantage of this program.”

ALA-APA will award the LSSC to candidates who demonstrate achievement in six sets of competencies by completing approved courses or submitting portfolios that demonstrate their achievement. Candidates have four years from acceptance to complete the program.

The LSSC Program is open to any library support staff person with a high-school diploma or its equivalent and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time experience in a library with the last five years.

Applicants do not have to be a member of ALA. The application fee is $325 for ALA members and $350 for non-ALA members.

A certification program was sought for many years by library support staff. In 2003, the ALA Congress on Professional Education III asked ALA to study LSS certification, ALA responded by including planning for a certification program in ALA’s strategic plan, ALA2010. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, ALA developed the LSSC over the past three years.

More information about the LSSCP is available online http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc. Direct questions to lssc@ala.org or call 312-280-2424.