Librarian Certificates and Basic Library Techniques
The MBLC issues Certificates of Librarianship to applicants based on work experience or education level as outlined in statute and regulation (MGL c.78 s.22-31; 605 CMR 3.01-3.06). A Certificate of Librarianship is required for all public library directors in Massachusetts.
Publc library directors in municipalities of more than 10,000:
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Must have a Master's of Library Science degree.
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Must hold a Professional Certificate of Librarianship.
Public library directors in municipalities of less than 10,000:
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Must have a bachelor's degree.
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Must hold at least a Subprofessional Certificate of Librarianship. If the director has an MLS, they should hold a Professional Certificate of Librarianship.
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Must complete the Basic Library Techniques (BLT) coursework series within 5 years of date of hire if they do not have an MLS. Library directors in this population group who have an MLS do not need to complete the BLT coursework. The BLT Coursework provides training in library administration, reference, cataloging, and materials selection. When all 4 courses are completed, a BLT completion certificate will be sent upon submission of a BLT certificate application to the MBLC.
Applications
- Professional Certification of Librarianship Application (pdf) - For library directors with an MLS.
- Subprofessional Certificate of Librarianship Application (pdf) - For library directors without an MLS in municipalities of 10,000 or less.
- Application for Replacement Certificate of Librarianship (pdf) - for replacement of any type of certificate.
- Application for Certificate of Special Training in Basic Library Techniques (pdf)
For more information, contact Dianne Carty at x222 or Ned Richards at x227