Education Library Training

Books are only one form of media found at a public library.

Public libraries are constantly evolving; they are no longer merely places to visit in order to obtain books of references, nonfiction and fiction. Among other things and for adults and children alike, libraries provide sources of information, entertainment, special programs, computer and Internet access, job search assistance and community outreach services. Whatever a patron needs help with, he is sure to find a trained library staff member to offer assistance. While some employees actually go to "library school," others receive special training for their positions and participate in classes and workshops offered by library organizations.

Definition and Description

Library workers perform a variety of tasks.

Library staffs typically have several actual "librarians"--people who have, after receiving an undergraduate collegiate degree, continued on to receive master's degrees in library and information science--but most library employees are not librarians. Library employees include those who are circulation clerks, pages, catalog and technical services providers, community outreach providers, department heads, branch managers and others who handle publicity, marketing and public relations duties as well as the day-to-day management of the facilities.

Education

Librarians must earn a master's degree in library and information science from an accredited college or university.

Librarians must earn a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS). The American Library Association (ALA) suggests choosing a school from its accredited list, which includes colleges and universities in a variety of states that offer MLIS programs. Many of these classes can be taken online; for example, Kent State University, the only Ohio school to offer an MLIS program, has it set up so that students can telecommute. The ALA says that for those who cannot make a full collegiate commitment, associate degrees in library science are available at a select number of community colleges throughout the country. Library staff members who do not have an MLIS or associate degree are taught their duties while on the job, and to augment that, there are classes and workshops offered through sources that include the ALA, the Public Library Association (PLA) and local organizations from the library's home state.

Types of Educational Programs

Library staff members can take classes and workshops.

In states that have them, library organizations offer classes and workshops for staff members. For example, in the state of Ohio, the Ohio Library Council and State Library of Ohio offer classes on customer service, public relations and marketing, technology, children's programming and others designed to help the staff member in her job and to better assist the library patron. These classes can be taken in person, online, through a webinar or by telephone conference. Libraries also hold occasional workshop days for their entire staff.

Scholarships and Reimbursements

MLIS students may be able to get scholarship money.

The American Library Association offers scholarship money toward the pursuit of an MLIS degree or for a master's in a program that is geared for libraries in schools. There are several types of ALA scholarships--those that are general in nature, those that are more specific such as technology, media or children, those for current library staff members and those geared for minorities. Some libraries budget options for scholarships or reimbursement of personal funds for staff members who wish or are required to upgrade their skills.

School Librarians and Library Staff

School librarians need an MLIS or must be a school library media specialist.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) work with educators, the American Library Association and community libraries to develop programs and expectations for school library staff members. School librarians (K-12) need to have either an MLIS or a master's degree specialty of school library media from an accredited AASL or NCATE program. Library staff members such as pages, technical service workers and circulation clerks do not fall under these requirements; their positions are similar to those at public libraries.

Library Administrators

Library bosses take classes, too.

Library directors and others on the management level have resources available to them for upgrading and further defining their skills. The Public Library Association presents classes and workshops online and in person; there are other library conferences and conventions scheduled within a calendar year as well. Certified Public Library Administrators courses are offered for librarians who are looking for special certifications. They must take an exam and complete a project; however, workshops are available for those who wish to pursue knowledge on an informal level.

References

• American Library Association: Education and Careers
• American Library Association: Accredited Programs
• Ohio Library Council: Education and Events
• American Library Association: Scholarship Program
• American Library Association: American Association of School Librarians

Resources

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education: School Librarian requirements
• Public Library Association: Home
• Ohio Library Council: Home
• American Library Association: Home
• kent State University: School of Library and Information Science