The Western Council of State Libraries is a professional association of 22 state libraries, formed to:

• Actively promote and improve library and information management services;
• Provide leadership based on consensus at regional and national levels on issues of common concern;
• Advocate for national policy and legislation that enhances library and information management services;
• Provide a forum for resource sharing and continuing education for each state library agency.

Under this charter, the Library Practitioner Certification Program was developed with support from an Institute of Museum and Library (IMLS) grant in response to calls for improved training opportunities for rural library directors and managers without a master's degree in library science.

The certificate recognizes the work done by noncredentialed library managers and directors and provides documentation of their library knowledge and skills that can be carried from job to job. In designing the program, a set of competencies were identified that define the skills and knowledge needed for success as a library practitioner. In addition, education providers are required to be certified, thus ensuring that students are receiving a quality learning experience while fulfilling the program requirements.

For more information about the program, including how to earn certification or how to become an approved education provider, visit the Western Council of State Libraries Practitioner Certification Program Web page.