Fact Sheet

Certification of Librarians

FACT SHEET

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grants certificates of professional and sub-professional librarianship to applicants meeting Massachusetts statutory and regulatory requirements. Certificates of Librarianship are required of all Massachusetts public library directors as a prerequisite to receive State Aid to Public Libraries. The Board also grants certificates of special training in basic library techniques.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Certification Program is to confirm work experience or educational background in order to insure that communities have the services of qualified library personnel.

CERTIFICATION COMPONENTS

The Sub-Professional Certificate of Librarianship certifies the holder as qualified through an elementary knowledge of library techniques to engage in the necessary library routines involved in the acquisition and circulation of books, but not qualified as a professional librarian (M.G.L. c. 78 s. 24), and certifies the holder has worked in a library for at least six months.

The Professional Certificate of Librarianship certifies the holder as a professional librarian, qualified by education, to practice library work. (M.G.L. c. 78, s. 24)

The Certification of Special Training in Basic Library Techniques certifies that the holder has completed courses or workshops in the following areas:

• library administration

• materials selection/collection development

• cataloging/classification

• reference

REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for a Sub-Professional Certificate of Librarianship, the applicant must meet the requirements stated in M.G.L. c. 78, s. 22-31, and 605 C.M.R. 3.06. To be eligible for a Professional Certificate of Librarianship, the applicant must meet the requirements stated in M.G.L. c. 78, s. 22-31 and 605 C.M.R. 3.04.

COST

The Sub-Professional and Professional Certificate require a $45.00 application fee. Replacement certificates require a $30.00 application fee. Certificates are valid for the life of the holder.

AUTHORIZATION

The certification of librarians is authorized by M.G.L. c. 78, § 31.

12/09