2. Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Sponsored by the American Library Association, the ALA-Allied Professional Association, and the Western Council of State Libraries Development Funded by IMLS
4. December 4, 2009 4 LSS 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 How Do They Get to A Desired Future; A Report of Focus Groups (unpublished, 1991).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, 2009 5 Why is Certification Needed? 69% of all library staff are library support staff In a national survey* 86% respondents supported national certification 76% supported national LSS standards 66% think certification would improve public service *Survey conducted by the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) in 2004 LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
6. December 4, 2009 6 Benefits of Certification Maryland & Minnesota Surveys LSS & 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, 2009 7 Why LSS Are Interested From 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, 2009 8 Federal Grant After years of discussion . . . Awarded IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant July 2007 – June 2010 Dr. Karen Strege and Nancy Bolt project directors Managed by ALA-APA LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
9. December 4, 2009 9 Advisory Committee Dorothy Morgan, Anne Marie Kehnast, LSSIRT Dave Dowell, ACRL Barbara Marson, ALCTS Diana Reese, ASCLA Robert Daugherty, LLAMA Carolyn Anthony, PLA Diane Shonrock, Jean Alexander RUSA Frank Novak, Peggy Seiden, Committee on Education Carol Johnson, Education Expert Rand Simmons, Western Council of State Libraries LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
10. December 4, 2009 10 Grant Schedule Finalize competencies: 2007-08 Assessment program: 2008-09 Policies and procedures: 2008-09 Approval: 2009 Field tests: Fall 2009 LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
11. December 4, 2009 11 Program Approved! July 13, 2009 by ALA Executive Board Also by: Public Library Association Assn. of College and Research Libraries Assn. of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies Assn. 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, 2009 12 PROGRAM BEGINS !! January 2010 LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
21. Portable from state to state if approved by stateLYRASIS Public Library Symposium
22. December 4, 2009 15 Eligibility Requirements High school education or its equivalent One year of library experience, from any type of library LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
23. December 4, 2009 16 Certification Requirements Must complete six competency sets out of 10 Must complete three required competency sets Candidate achieves a competency set by completing an approved course or submitting a portfolio Once a set is achieved, candidate need not complete it again LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
24. December 4, 2009 17 Policies and Procedures Candidates have four years to complete assessments Fee is $350, $325 for ALA members All submissions online Certification is for five years Renewal will be required but details TBD LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
25. December 4, 2009 18 Competency Sets Required Foundations of Library Service Communication and Teamwork Technology Electives(3 chosen) Access Services Cataloging and Classification Collection Management Reader’s Advisory Services Reference and Information Services Supervision and Management Youth Services LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
26. December 4, 2009 19 Example 1:Communication and Teamwork Library 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, 2009 20 Communication (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
32. December 4, 2009 22 Course Approval Process Any course provider can apply Application process at www.ala-apa.org/lsscp Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner Goal to have providers in every competency by January 2010 Application fee $100 for the first two courses $50 for each additional course LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
33. December 4, 2009 23 Portfolio Assessment Method All material submitted online Subscription to portfolio system with registration Portfolio manual and training are being developed Training for portfolio evaluators LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
34. December 4, 2009 24 Portfolio Development Suggestions Suggested activities for demonstrating each competency Can choose a suggested activity or design own activities Uploaded to portfolio when done LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
35. December 4, 2009 25 Portfolio Development Suggestions Communication Competency 6 Resolve conflict in a positive and productive manner and judge when situations should be referred to a supervisor. Suggested Activities 6.1 Maintain a journal log of conflicts that arise in your work situation during a one-month period including interpersonal conflicts, communication problems, time-management conflicts, etc. Note whether the conflict was resolved by front-line staff or referred to a supervisor, and why. What recommendations would you make for conflict resolution process in your work situation? 6.2 Interview three supervisors in a library and summarize their views on how to handle conflict in a positive and productive manner. Under what circumstances would they prefer that the problem be referred up the chain of command? How do the methods suggested compare and contrast? LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
36. December 4, 2009 26 Field Demonstrations – Fall 2009 Lincoln Trail Libraries System (IL) Louisiana State Library Texas Library Association Highline Community College (WA) Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) – ALA Division LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
37. December 4, 2009 27 Next Steps Field test all program aspects Recruit participants and course providers Develop support for candidates Finalize all policies and procedures LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
38. December 4, 2009 28 WHY LSS Certification? National Certification is going to make a bigger difference than many folks realize. This portable standard of excellence will obviously benefit Support Staff. We are valuable assets to well-functioning libraries. This needs to be established beyond regional purviews. Linda Pierro, Retired Library Support Staff LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
