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Certification

Introduction

The State Library Commission established the Montana Library Certification Program to promote continuing education for librarians. The program recognizes librarians and trustees who continue to expand their knowledge and skills in order to provide improved services for their patrons and communities. Public library directors must be certified in order for the library to meet the current standards and receive state aid. Certification is voluntary for all other librarians and trustees.

Five Levels of Certification

  • Level I
    Graduate degree in Library or Information Science from an Insitute of Higher Education Accredited by the American Library Association
  • Level II
    A Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited Colege or University, AND 15 Semester Hours or 20 Quarter Hours in Library Education from an Accredited College or University, AND 40 CE Contact Hour Credits - OR - A minimum of a Minor in Library Science from an Accredited College or University
  • Level III
    A Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited College or University AND 40 CE Contract Hour Credits - OR - An Associate degree from an Accredited College or University, AND 5 years of library work withthin the last 10 years, AND 40 CE Contact Hour Credits
  • Level IV
    High School Diploma or G.E.D., AND 60 Semster Hours or 90 Quarter Hours of College Credit, AND 40 CE Contact Hour Credits - OR - High School Diploma or G.E.D., AND 5 Years of Library Work within the last 10 years, AND 40 CE Contact Hour Credits
  • Level V
    High School Diploma or G.E.D., AND 2 Years of Library Work within the last 5 years, AND 40 CE Contact Hour Credits

CE Contact Hours

CE contact hours are obtained by attending training and workshops. These training events can be face-to-face, online, or via teleconferencing. You are required to obtain at least 5 contact hours in each of the following:

  • Library Administration
  • Library Services to the Public
  • Collection Management & Technical Services
  • Technology

Documents & Forms

Certification Program Manual
Enrollment Form
Renewal Form 		         (pdf)
(pdf)
(pdf)