The document discusses the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) program, sponsored by the American Library Association and other organizations, aimed at recognizing and enhancing the skills of library support staff. Certification is supported by a significant majority of library workers and is expected to improve public service, with candidates required to complete specific competency sets within four years. The program offers various benefits including professional recognition, skill development, and a structured assessment method through approved courses or portfolio submissions.

2. Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)Sponsored by the American Library Association, the ALA-Allied Professional Association,and the Western Council of State LibrariesDevelopment Funded by IMLS

3. December 4, 20093LSSC – More information? Website: http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc Karen Strege kstrege@msn.com 206 829 8821 206 407 9756 (cell)Nancy Bolt nancybolt@earthlink.net 303 642 0338 303 905 9347 (cell)Dave Dowell dave@ddowell.com 805 772 8649LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

4. December 4, 20094LSS Certification “I want recognition that my job is important, that my work is valued, that I am valued as a human being. This is more important than money. I want to be trusted that I will do what I’m paid for. I need pride in myself and my job.”Suzanne Mahmoodi and Kathleen Weibel, Paraprofessionals: What Are They Doing? What Are the Trends? How Do They Get to A Desired Future; A Report of Focus Groups (unpublished, 1991).LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

5. December 4, 20095Why is Certification Needed?69% of all library staff are library support staffIn a national survey*86% respondents supported national certification76% supported national LSS standards 66% think certification would improve public service*Survey conducted by the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) in 2004LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

6. December 4, 20096Benefits of CertificationMaryland & Minnesota SurveysLSS & Managers think library users are better served by staff with certification. LSS believe they understand library service better.LSS report more confidence serving users. Managers report that LSS contribute more to operations & success.LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

7. December 4, 20097Why LSS Are InterestedFrom November 2008 LSS survey:Recognition for experience, education, and/or skills. Learn new things about the library field.Provide better service to library users. LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

8. December 4, 20098Federal GrantAfter years of discussion . . . Awarded IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program GrantJuly 2007 – June 2010Dr. Karen Strege and Nancy Bolt project directorsManaged by ALA-APALYRASIS Public Library Symposium

9. December 4, 20099 Advisory CommitteeDorothy Morgan, Anne Marie Kehnast, LSSIRTDave Dowell, ACRLBarbara Marson, ALCTSDiana Reese, ASCLARobert Daugherty, LLAMACarolyn Anthony, PLADiane Shonrock, Jean Alexander RUSAFrank Novak, Peggy Seiden, Committee on EducationCarol Johnson, Education ExpertRand Simmons, Western Council of State LibrariesLYRASIS Public Library Symposium

10. December 4, 200910Grant ScheduleFinalize competencies: 2007-08Assessment program: 2008-09Policies and procedures: 2008-09Approval: 2009Field tests: Fall 2009LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

11. December 4, 200911Program Approved! July 13, 2009 by ALA Executive BoardAlso by:Public Library AssociationAssn. of College and Research LibrariesAssn. of Specialized and Cooperative Library AgenciesAssn. of Library Collections and Technical Services Library Leadership & Management Assn.Reference & User Services Assn. Library Support Staff Interests Round Table LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

12. December 4, 200912PROGRAM BEGINS !!January 2010LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

13. December 4, 200913LSSC Features: Affordable

14. Accessible

15. Not a guarantee of raise or promotion

16. A mix of required and elective competencies

17. Establishes national, basic standards of LSS competencyLYRASIS Public Library Symposium

18. December 4, 200914More LSSC Features:Evaluates prior learning and new learning

19. A valid assessment of competencies

20. Self supporting

21. Portable from state to state if approved by stateLYRASIS Public Library Symposium

22. December 4, 200915Eligibility RequirementsHigh school education or its equivalentOne year of library experience, from any type of libraryLYRASIS Public Library Symposium

23. December 4, 200916Certification Requirements Must complete six competency sets out of 10Must complete three required competency setsCandidate achieves a competency set by completing an approved course or submitting a portfolioOnce a set is achieved, candidate need not complete it againLYRASIS Public Library Symposium

24. December 4, 200917Policies and ProceduresCandidates have four years to complete assessmentsFee is $350, $325 for ALA membersAll submissions online Certification is for five years Renewal will be required but details TBDLYRASIS Public Library Symposium

25. December 4, 200918Competency Sets RequiredFoundations of Library ServiceCommunication and Teamwork TechnologyElectives(3 chosen)Access ServicesCataloging and ClassificationCollection ManagementReader’s Advisory Services Reference and Information ServicesSupervision and ManagementYouth Services LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

26. December 4, 200919 Example 1:Communication and TeamworkLibrary Support Staff will know:Basic concepts of interpersonal relations, customer service and communication.The importance of upholding policies and decisions and when to make exceptions.Tools for resolving conflict.LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

27. December 4, 200920Communication (cont’d)Library Support Staff will be able to:Treat others with respect, fairness and consistency.Seek, give, and accept constructive feedback from coworkers, supervisors and users.Resolve conflict in a positive and productive manner and judge when situations should be referred to a supervisor.Write clearly, logically, and concisely.LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

28. December 4, 200921Assessment MethodologyRecognize prior learning and new learning

29. Two methods: