Librarian Certificates and Basic Library Techniques

In order to ensure that communities are served by qualified library personnel, the Board of Library Commissioners grants Professional and Subprofessional Certificates of Librarianship to applicants based on work experience or education level as set forth in statute and regulation, (MGL c.78 s.22-31; 605 CMR 3.01-3.06).

The certificates are required of all Massachusetts public library directors as a prerequisite for municipalities to receive State Aid to Public Libraries.

In addition, upon application, the Board issues certificates for the completion of the Basic Library Techniques. The Basic Library Techniques (BLT) are a group of four special training courses designed for public library directors who do not have a master of library science degree. The intent of the BLT program is to provide practical training in library administration, reference, cataloging and materials selection.

The BLT requirement to receive State Aid to Public Libraries applies only to municipalities with a population under 10,000, and within that group, only to library directors who do not have a master of library science degree.

Applications:

Because the applications for Professional and Subprofessional Certificates of Librarianship are archived for 75 years, the applications must be printed on bond (acid-free) paper.

• 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 Liz Babbitt at x227