In order to ensure that communities are served by qualified library personnel, the MBLC grants Professional and Subprofessional Certificates of Librarianship to applicants based on work experience or education level, as set forth in statue (MGL c.78 s.22-31) and regulation (605 CMR 3.01-3.06).
The certificates are required of all Massachusetts public library directors for eligibility in the State Aid to Public Libraries Program.
Basic Library Techniques (BLT)
The Basic Library Techniques (BLT) is a series of four special training courses coordinated by the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) 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.
Upon completion of the BLT classes, the MBLC can issue a certificate once the required classes are completed.
- Application for Certificate of Special Training in Basic Library Techniques (PDF) - Completed application with signature and the necessary documentation can be sent via U.S. Postal Service to the address listed on the application attn: State Aid.
The BLT requirement to receive state aid 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.
Sign up for notifications about the BLT class schedule.
Certification Applications
Completed applications with signature(s), the fee and the necessary documentation can be sent via U.S. Postal Service to the address listed on the application attn: State Aid.
The current fees are $53.00 for a Professional or Subprofessional certificate and $38.00 for a replacement certificate.
Regulations call for certification fee review every three years. Fees are established by vote of the Board of Library Commissioners.
- Professional Certification of Librarianship Application (PDF) - For applicants with an MLS/MLIS.
- Subprofessional Certificate of Librarianship Application (PDF) - For applicants without an MLS/MLIS.
- Application for Replacement Certificate of Librarianship (PDF) - For replacement of a professional or subprofessional certificate.