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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Recording: http://ala-apa.org/lssc/
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-ProLibrary assistant Circulation assistant
Library AideLibrary technical assistant
Media aideLibrary 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 How Do They Get to A Desired Future; A Report of Focus Groups (unpublished, 1991).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 LSSCEarns you the respect you deserve Allows you to demonstrate your valueGives you an edge on a job or promotionIncreased flexibility as a library workerIncreases your self-confidence Portable to other statesProof of achievementLibrary 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 philosophyResearch and evaluationPolicy developmentStrategic planningService developmentAll requiredOnly accessible via library
school
LSS (MORE FOCUS)PracticalOperationalNeed to knowAble to do10 competency sets
3 required3 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 unpaid1820 hours collectively (over five years)
Enrollment Apply at: http://ala-apa.org/lssc/
Cost: $350 ($325 if ALA member)
Certification RequirementDemonstrate achievement of six competency
sets by . . .
Completing approved courses and/or submit portfolios
within four years
LSSC Competency Sets
Required Foundations of
Library ServiceTechnologyCommunication
and Teamwork
ElectivesAccess ServicesAdult Readers’ AdvisoryCataloging and ClassificationCollectionsReference and Information
ServicesSupervision and ManagementYouth 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 OptionsApproved 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 CoursesMeet LSSC requirements
Providers set costs, NOT LSSC
Online; In-person; or Combination
Course fees average $400Range 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
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, KYNorthampton Community College, PACuesta College, CAFresno City College, CAGeorgia Perimeter CollegePueblo Community College, COCollege of Lake County, IL Spokane Falls Community College, WA
Agreements with:Waubonsee CC, IL Ivy Tech College, INPalomar College, CACollege of DuPage, ILIllinois Central CollegeHighline CC, WAPasadena City College, CAPomona City College, CACentral Carolina Technical College, SCBelmont College, OHThree Rivers Community College, CTDona Ana Community College, NMCity 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 valuedMany 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?
More Information Website: http://ala-apa.org/lssc
Program e-mail: [email protected]
Karen Strege: [email protected]
Nancy Bolt: [email protected]
Ian Lashbrook: [email protected]
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