Library Support Staff Certification
Library Support Staff Certification Changes
Due to the uncertainty of federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the State Library is no longer accepting applications for the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC). Support for existing participants will continue until existing funds are exhausted.
The Arizona State library offers the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) for Arizona library staff that do not have an MLIS. This program is offered through ALA and supported by IMLS. A webinar with information on obtaining the LSSC may be found on Niche Academy.
Earning the LSSC requires the completion of 6 competencies which can be earned by taking 7 courses online through Infopeople. Arizona library staff can take these courses at no cost to them through the Arizona State Library. Once all 7 courses have been completed and the certificates of completion for each course have been submitted to the State Library, the staff person will receive an Arizona Library Support Staff Certification. They will also be eligible to receive the national LSSC. To receive the national certification the applicant would apply and pay the $350 fee to ALA.
The competencies to complete the certification are as follows:
Three required competency sets:
- Foundations of Library Services (1 course)
- Communication and Teamwork (2 courses)
- Technology (1 course)
Three additional competency sets from the remaining seven elective competency sets:
- Adult Readers’ Advisory Services
- Cataloging and Classification
- Reference and Information Services
- Supervision and Management
- Youth Services
Infopeople Courses That Meet Required Competencies: Must complete all Courses.
| Competency | Course Required |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Library Services | Foundations of Library Science |
| Communication and Teamwork | Communication is More Than Words and All Work is Team Work |
| Technology | Technology in Libraries |
Infopeople Courses That Meet Elective Competencies: Must choose three competencies.
| Competency | Course Required |
|---|---|
| Youth Services | Children's Services Fundamentals and Teen Services Fundamentals |
| Cataloging and Classification | Basic Cataloging and Classification |
| Reference and Information Services | CORE Reference Fundamentals |
| Adult Reader's Advisory | Readers' Advisory: Books and Beyond |
| Supervision and Management | Library Supervision and Management |
For questions contact Melissa Kummen at [email protected].
