Sponsored by the American Library Association and the ALA-Allied Professional Association Funded by IMLS Introduction to the Library Support Staff Certification Program

Lorelle Swader Karen Strege Nancy BoltIan Lashbrook

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Today’s Agenda Who are Library Support Staff (LSS)? Why does LSSC matter? Enrollment and requirements Assessment of work New projects on the horizon

Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC) A New Career Path for LSS A national, voluntary ALA- sponsored, certification program for library support staff.

Issues Numbers and Titles Value to the Library Changing Roles Respect Education, Training and Support Self-motivation!

How Many LSS? 163,913 staff members in academic and public libraries 69% are LSS

What’s in a Name? Paraprofessional Para-Pro Library assistant Circulation assistant Library Aide Library technical assistant Media aide Library media assistant Library technician

Why Certification? 4 top reasons Recognition Learn new things Provide better service Contribute to library improvement

Not a Job but a Career!

“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 How Do They Get to A Desired Future; A Report of Focus Groups (unpublished, 1991).

The Value of LSSC Earns you the respect you deserve Allows you to demonstrate your value Gives you an edge on a job or promotion Increased flexibility as a library worker Increases your self-confidence Portable to other states Proof of achievement Library users are better served “I have moved from part-time position to full-time, and better serve patrons with knowledge gained as well as making myself a better co-worker with the responsibilities given to me based on my skills and knowledge” - LSSC candidate survey response, Feb 2012

Current Candidates 375 Candidates (335 active, 40 graduates) 46 States Represented

Role Definition - Competencies MLS(BIG PICTURE) Theory and philosophy Research and evaluation Policy development Strategic planning Service development All required Only accessible via library school LSS(MORE FOCUS) Practical Operational Need to know Able to do 10 competency sets 3 required 3 elective Available through approved courses and independent learning “I am not interested in putting the effort and time into an MLS. Support Staff is what I've always enjoyed and the LSSC will make me a better employee as well as give me better job prospects should our library continue to be downsized” – LSSC candidate survey, Feb 2012

LSSC Nuts and Bolts

Eligibility High school diploma or a GED One year library experience, paid or unpaid  1820 hours collectively (over five years)

Enrollment Apply at: Cost: $350 ($325 if ALA member)

Certification Requirement Demonstrate achievement of six competency sets by... Completing approved courses and/or submit portfolios within four years

LSSC Competency Sets Required Foundations of Library Service Technology Communication and Teamwork Electives Access Services Adult Readers’ Advisory Cataloging and Classification Collections Reference and Information Services Supervision and Management Youth Services

Competency Example Collections 1. Library Support Staff know how to use integrated library systems, other appropriate online tools, and data to manage collections. 2. LSS know the basic principles of collection development and management. 3. LSS assist with decisions regarding selection, de- selection, retention, and replacement of all types of library resources.

Competency Achievement Options Approved Courses No experience or education? No interest in self-directed learning? Additional costs. Portfolios Significant experience or education? Prefer independent learning? No additional costs.

LSSC-Approved Courses Meet LSSC requirements Providers set costs, NOT LSSC Online; In-person; or Combination Course fees average $400  Range from $75 - $1,200 “A course has helped me to understand the different functions of the library. This understanding has allowed me to be more aware of the information I need to provide when having discussions with members of other departments.” – LSSC candidate survey, Feb 2012

LSSC Course Providers Community Colleges & Universities Consultants Library Service Network (Amigos) State Libraries

Portfolios “A selective collection of work that demonstrates knowledge and skills in a competency set” Equivalent to course work Document knowledge & skills Use own work or answer a PDS “I have recently experienced conflict with a coworker; the conflict resolution portfolio that I completed helped me with a successful resolution with this coworker” – LSSC candidate survey, Feb 2012

Portfolio Development Suggestions An activity or assignment for each competency 2 to 4 PDS per competency Complete one PDS per competency Indicate if you used a PDS

Sample PDS Competency: LSS know the basic principles of collection development and management. 2.1: Prepare a bibliography with brief notations of five articles that identify basic principles and trends in collections. Your notations should be both descriptive and evaluative. Write a one-page essay about one new direction or trend in collections. 2.2: Collect sample collection policies from three libraries of varying type and size. Compare and contrast these policies. Which ones do you think are best and why? 2.3: Schedule an interview and observation appointment with a librarian in a collection department. At the conclusion of your observation and interview, summarize what you consider are the five most important principles associated with collection work. Ask the librarian you observed to review and comment on your work. Respond to the comments on your ideas, describing how the librarian’s opinion did or did not change your own thinking.

Portfolio Evaluation Two evaluators read Met (Hooray!) Partially Met (Provide more info…) Not Met (Suggest a course.)

Library Managers can help! Recognition Help with registration fee Help with course fees Time off

More Support Ideas Help with assignments Inform “higher-ups” Recognize accomplishments Add responsibility as skills and knowledge increase

LTA Recognition Agreements In Process: Bluegrass Community & Technical College, KY Northampton Community College, PA Cuesta College, CA Fresno City College, CA Georgia Perimeter College Pueblo Community College, CO College of Lake County, IL Spokane Falls Community College, WA Agreements with: Waubonsee CC, IL Ivy Tech College, IN Palomar College, CA College of DuPage, IL Illinois Central College Highline CC, WA Pasadena City College, CA Pomona City College, CA Central Carolina Technical College, SC Belmont College, OH Three Rivers Community College, CT Dona Ana Community College, NM City College of San Francisco

Next Steps: Evaluation Does LSSC make a difference in user services, in individuals, in libraries?

A survey of our candidates in February 2012 yielded some very good feedback on the LSSC program: 80% of the respondents named specific ways in which participation in the LSSC Program improved their abilities. Moral support from managers/employers was highly valued Many of the libraries in which the candidates currently work have been providing financial assistance as well as time away from work duties to work on LSSC materials and coursework. What our candidates have to say…

WHY LSS Certification? “My work toward certification helped me to compare and contrast the principles of our profession with the realities I've observed in over 15 years of library work. Many of my professional perceptions were confirmed which made me more confident in my skills and knowledge of the field. Some of my professional perceptions were challenged allowing me to think about my opinions and responsibilities in a new light.” – LSSC candidate survey, Feb 2012

Questions?

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