Public Librarian Certification

Depending on local library policy, individuals seeking employment in New York State as a professional public librarian need to be certifified from the New York State Education Department.

Qualifications
For a Publlic Librarian Certification, applicants must:
 * have completed an American Library Association (ALA) acredited, graduate level information or library sciences program.
 * hold a conditional certificate and have completed at least six graduate credits in library science from a library school program which has been accredited by the American Library Association or registered by the department, and two years of satisfactory professional experience in a public library located within the United States.
 * fill out this application:, send a copy of your graduate degree transcript, and pay a one-time $5 fee by check or money order to the New York State Education Department. (1 & 2)

Professional Development Requirements
Currently certification lasts for the lifetime of the recipient. However as of January 1, 2010, recipients will be required to complete 60 hours of professional development every 5 years to maintain their public librarian certification. (2)