Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) is directed towards those who work in positions in libraries that do not require a graduate degree in Library Science. The LSSC Program is managed by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA – link: http://ala-apa.org/lssc/). There is a fee to register for the program, and a fee for courses and portfolio submission. To earn the certification, candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements, and then successfully complete six of ten competency sets. Candidates may complete these sets by submitting portfolios, completing approved courses, or graduating from training programs in LSSC colleges with which LSSC has a Recognition Agreement.
The eligibility requirements are:
- a minimum of a high school degree or its equivalency and
- worked or volunteered in any type of library for a minimum of 1 year (1820 hours) within the last 5 years.
Courses are open to any library staff member. You do not need to be applying for certification to take any of the courses.
Comments from prior class participants:
“This is a great course that all front-line library staff should take it … At the very least, all reference desk staff should do this ‘Boot Camp’ to get up-to-date on current resources, etc.” [Reference and Information Services course, 2014]
“I really feel as this particular course has taken me to the basics, but let me see the big picture of the running of the library.” [Foundations course, 2015]
“Taking this course has given me an insight on how to be of better service to those I work with each day. I received a clear understanding on how to work with others and identify key components on how to effectively implement opportunities for positive results.” [Communications and Teamwork course, 2014]
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Before this I did not know the history of libraries or have a deep understanding of the nuts and bolts that make libraries work. Now, I understand and can pass the information to others who are not knowledgeable.” [Foundations course, 2015]
“I've learned more in the 10 weeks of class than I had in all of the years of working at the library.” [Foundations course, 2015]
The State Library of Louisiana has been approved to offer the following courses:
|
Course Title/Competency |
Approved Through |
Course Offered |
|
Foundations of Library Service |
June 2019 | January - March |
|
Reference and Information Services |
June 2021 | February - April |
|
Cataloguing |
March 2022 | March - May |
|
Supervision and Management |
October 2019 | August - October |
|
Technology |
February 2020 | October - December |
|
Communication and Teamwork |
June 2021 |
September – November |
All courses are offered completely online.
All courses are 10 weeks and include a weekly online (synchronous) webinar lasting approximately 90 minutes, homework and other written assignments (submitted electronically), and an open-book final exam. For more information including registration forms please contact Library Development staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
