Developed with support from an Institute of Museum and Library (IMLS) grant in response to calls for improved training opportunities, Western Council identified a set of competencies that define the skills and knowledge needed for success as a library practitioner. The certification program is based on these competencies. Library practitioners completing 240 contact hours in competency areas and having 1,080 hours of library experiences will be awarded Western Council certification.

"Developing a certification program for this level of library worker represents an important step in Western Council's efforts to advance the improvement of library services in communities not yet able to support a professional librarian," said Sara Jones, president of Western Council and administrator of the Nevada State Library and Archives. "By offering a standard skills-and-experience-based certification to library practitioners, Western Council provides employers with a benchmark for selecting highly qualified individuals, while offering individuals a recognized, portable credential that enables them to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Western Council hopes that applicants look at this certification as the first step in their training in library science."

To ensure the quality of courses for applicants, Western Council will require that applicants select from courses offered by Western Council Approved Providers. Institutions and individuals can become Approved Providers by completing an application and submitting a fee based on the type of institution. Upon certification, Approved Providers will be entitled to use an official certification logo as an indication of their status and will be listed for reference in the directory maintained by Western Council.

For complete information about the program, including how to be certified and how to become an approved education provider, go to certificate.westernco.org/.