Requirements
Wisconsin statutes require public library directors to be certified by the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning (DLTCL). There are three grades of certification:
Grade 1 certification is required for the director of a public library in a community with a population of 6,000 or more. A bachelor’s degree in any field of study and a master’s degree from a library school accredited by the American Library Association are required for grade 1 certification.
Grade 2 certification is required for the director of a public library in a community with a population between 3,000 and 5,999. To be eligible for grade 2 certification librarians must have a bachelor’s degree and three semester credits or the equivalent in each of the following areas: public library administration; selection of library materials; organization of library materials; and reference and information services. Library coursework must be approved by DLTCL.
Grade 3 certification is required for the director of a public library in a community with a population of less than 3,000. Grade 3 certification requires successful completion of not less than 54 semester hours of college level work, at least half of which must be in the liberal arts and sciences. The coursework must include or be supplemented by three semester credits in each of the following areas: public library administration; selection of library materials; organization of library materials; and reference and information services. Library coursework must be approved by DLTCL.
Temporary certification may be granted to new directors who apply within three months of their employment date. Temporary certificates are good for one year; Grade 2 and Grade 3 certificates may be eligible for renewal up to three times; temporary Grade 1 certificates may not be renewed.
Recertification
Regular certification is valid for five years and may be renewed upon completion of at least 100 contact hours of continuing education. Northern Waters Library Service offers a variety of programs and workshops that qualify for continuing education credits.
Resources
Additional details are available in the Certification Manual for Wisconsin Public Library Directors, available in a downloadable format at the DLTCL website.
Linda Stobbe, the Northern Waters Library Service validator for continuing education, can answer questions about certification and continuing education requirements. She can be reached via email or by calling 715-682-2365.