Dave Dowell

Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)

Sponsored by

the American Library Association,

the ALA-Allied Professional Association,

and the Western Council of State Libraries

Development Funded by IMLS

http://www.imls.gov/index.shtm

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LSSC – More information?

Website: http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc

Karen Strege [email protected] 829 8821 206 407 9756 (cell)

Nancy Bolt [email protected] 303 642 0338303 905 9347 (cell)

Dave Dowell [email protected] 772 8649

LYRASIS Public Library Symposium

http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc

mailto:[email protected]



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LSS Certification

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 How Do They Get to A Desired Future; A Report of Focus Groups (unpublished, 1991).


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Why is Certification Needed?

69% of all library staff are library support staff

In a national survey* 86% respondents supported national

certification 76% supported national LSS standards 66% think certification would improve public

service*Survey conducted by the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) in 2004


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Benefits of Certification

Maryland & Minnesota Surveys

LSS & Managers think library users are better served by staff with certification.

LSS believe they understand library service better.

LSS report more confidence serving users.

Managers report that LSS contribute more to operations & success.


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Why LSS Are Interested

From November 2008 LSS survey:

Recognition for experience, education, and/or skills.

Learn new things about the library field.

Provide better service to library users.


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Federal Grant

After years of discussion . . .

Awarded IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant

July 2007 – June 2010

Dr. Karen Strege and Nancy Bolt project directors

Managed by ALA-APA


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Advisory Committee

Dorothy Morgan, Anne Marie Kehnast, LSSIRT

Dave Dowell, ACRL Barbara Marson, ALCTS Diana Reese, ASCLA Robert Daugherty, LLAMA Carolyn Anthony, PLA Diane Shonrock, Jean Alexander

RUSA Frank Novak, Peggy Seiden,

Committee on Education Carol Johnson, Education Expert Rand Simmons, Western Council of

State Libraries


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Grant Schedule

Finalize competencies: 2007-08

Assessment program: 2008-09

Policies and procedures: 2008-09

Approval: 2009

Field tests: Fall 2009


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Program Approved!

July 13, 2009 by ALA Executive Board

Also by:

Public Library Association Assn. of College and Research Libraries Assn. of Specialized and Cooperative Library

Agencies Assn. of Library Collections and Technical Services Library Leadership & Management Assn. Reference & User Services Assn. Library Support Staff Interests Round Table


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PROGRAM BEGINS !!

January 2010


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LSSC Features: Affordable

Accessible

Not a guarantee of raise or promotion

A mix of required and elective competencies

Establishes national, basic standards of LSS competency


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More LSSC Features:

Evaluates prior learning and new learning

A valid assessment of competencies

Self supporting

Portable from state to state if approved by state


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Eligibility Requirements

High school education or its equivalent

One year of library experience, from any type of library


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Certification Requirements

Must complete six competency sets out of 10

Must complete three required competency sets

Candidate achieves a competency set by completing an approved course or submitting a portfolio

Once a set is achieved, candidate need not complete it again


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Policies and Procedures Candidates have four years to complete

assessments

Fee is $350, $325 for ALA members

All submissions online

Certification is for five years

Renewal will be required but details TBD


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Competency Sets

Required Foundations of Library Service Communication and Teamwork Technology

Electives (3 chosen) Access Services Cataloging and Classification Collection Management Reader’s Advisory Services Reference and Information Services Supervision and Management Youth Services


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Example 1:Communication and

Teamwork

Library Support Staff will know:

1. Basic concepts of interpersonal relations, customer service and communication.

2. The importance of upholding policies and decisions and when to make exceptions.

3. Tools for resolving conflict.


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Communication (cont’d)Library Support Staff will be able to:

4. Treat others with respect, fairness and consistency.

5. Seek, give, and accept constructive feedback from coworkers, supervisors and users.

6. Resolve conflict in a positive and productive manner and judge when situations should be referred to a supervisor.

7. Write clearly, logically, and concisely.


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Assessment Methodology

• Recognize prior learning and new learning

• Two methods: • approved courses • portfolios


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Course Approval Process

Any course provider can apply

Application process at www.ala-apa.org/lsscp

Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner

Goal to have providers in every competency by January 2010

Application fee $100 for the first two courses $50 for each additional course


http://www.ala-apa.org/lsscp

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Portfolio Assessment Method

All material submitted online

Subscription to portfolio system with registration

Portfolio manual and training are being developed

Training for portfolio evaluators


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Portfolio Development Suggestions

Suggested activities for demonstrating each competency

Can choose a suggested activity or design own activities

Uploaded to portfolio when done


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Portfolio Development Suggestions

Communication Competency 6Resolve conflict in a positive and productive manner and judge when situations should be referred to a supervisor.

Suggested Activities

6.1 Maintain a journal log of conflicts that arise in your work situation during a one-month period including interpersonal conflicts, communication problems, time-management conflicts, etc. Note whether the conflict was resolved by front-line staff or referred to a supervisor, and why. What recommendations would you make for conflict resolution process in your work situation?

6.2 Interview three supervisors in a library and summarize their views on how to handle conflict in a positive and productive manner. Under what circumstances would they prefer that the problem be referred up the chain of command? How do the methods suggested compare and contrast?


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Field Demonstrations – Fall 2009

Lincoln Trail Libraries System (IL)

Louisiana State Library

Texas Library Association

Highline Community College (WA)

Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) – ALA Division


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Next Steps

Field test all program aspects

Recruit participants and course providers

Develop support for candidates

Finalize all policies and procedures


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WHY LSS Certification?

National Certification is going to make a bigger difference than many folks realize. This portable standard of excellence will obviously benefit Support Staff. We are valuable assets to well-functioning libraries. This needs to be established beyond regional purviews.

Linda Pierro, Retired Library Support StaffLYRASIS Public Library

Symposium

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LSS – More information? Website: http://www.ala-apa.org/lsscp

Karen Strege [email protected] 829 8821 206 407 9756 (cell)

Nancy Bolt [email protected] 303 642 0338303 905 9347 (cell)

Dave Dowell [email protected] 772 8648


http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc




Dave Dowell

Education

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