Librarian Certification

All public library directors in libraries receiving state aid are required to have a certification level based on the population of the service area of the library where they are employed. The certification levels are: library assistant, provisional librarian, and professional librarian. A library assistant has completed at least 2 academic years of college education and completed 9 credit hours of library science courses. A provisional librarian has at least a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university and has completed at least 12 credit hours of library science courses. A professional librarian has at least a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university and a master's degree in library science. More information about certification levels can be found in the Public Library Code.

 

All applications for librarian certification must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education through TIMS.  Directions have been provided to help you with the process.

 

For a public library or public library system to receive Quality Libraries Aid, "the library director of the local library or library system shall annually attend at least eight hours of continuing education programs approved by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries." (Education Code (24 PA.C.S.) - Public Library Code, §9334(c)(5).

 

For a public library or public library system to qualify for Incentives for Excellence Aid, "the local library or member library within a library system shall require at least six hours of continuing education every two years for paid staff working at least 20 hours per week in direct support of the library service." (Education Code (24 PA.C.S.) - Public Library Code, §9335(b)(4)).

 

Guidelines for these requirements can be found in this statement from the Governor's Advisory Council on Library Development. Continuing Education (CE) Guidelines for Public Library Staff (PDF)

 

Pennsylvania teaching certificates with endorsement in school librarianship may be issued to graduates of Pennsylvania colleges and universities, who have completed a school librarianship preparation program, received a competency recommendation from the preparing institution, completed the test requirements for professional certification in PA, passed the Praxis test, and met all other requirements provided by PA law. More information can be found on the School Library Certification page.

 

Have a question about our services and collections?   

Please contact the Library Development staff at State Library with additional questions (717-787-8007).