MSL Certification Program

The Montana State Library Commission adopted new rules related to the certification program on December 10, 2025. 

10.102.1160 Personnel

(6) The director is or will be certified by the Montana State Library within the required timeframe mandated by the certification program adopted by the Montana State Library Commission.

The MSL Commission adopted a new policy for certification on May 6, 2026.

• MSL Certification Policy
• Course of Study

The policy goes into effect as of July 1, 2026.

More information will be shared via newsletters as we get closer to July.

Course Catalog Proposals

Courses may be added to the catalog throughout the year by submitting a proposal to MSL staff using this form.

The MSL Commission will consider the following questions when reviewing suggested courses. Not all questions have to be answered “yes” for approval.

• Do the learning outcomes of the course fall under one or more of the topics outlined in the course of study?
• Does the presenter have expertise in the subject matter?
• Do the learning outcomes address the needs of multiple libraries in Montana?
• Does the learning support the library in meeting the public library standards?

Courses approved by the State Library Commission will be added to the Course Catalog.

Each course fits under a specific topic and counts for a certain number of credits. Students choose courses from the catalog to gain the required credits in each topic.