Montana State Library Launches Refurbished Certification Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2010
Contact: Sara Groves
(406) 444-5357
(HELENA) -- The Montana State Library is pleased to announce that it has launched a newly refurbished continuing education program for Montana's librarians. The Montana Certification Program for Library Directors, Staff, and Trustees works to ensure that Montana library patrons receive the best library service possible.
"Library services are changing and today's librarians have to be knowledgeable in a wide range of areas - from human resources to computer trouble-shooting," said Darlene Staffeldt, Montana State Librarian. "Additionally, Montana librarians have to work extra hard to provide the best in modern library service in our rural state by making innovative use of technology and resource sharing. Our library certification program rewards the effort our librarians put in to keep up to date."
The certification program reflects continual changes in the skills and knowledge needed by librarians to serve their communities, so regular reviews of the original program are done. Beginning in 2006, Montana State Library staff participated in the development of a regional certification program with the Western Council of State Libraries. Initially, it was planned that the Western Council certification would replace the state program, but when the new program officially launched in 2008, the requirements and costs were prohibitive for many Montanans. As a result, the State Library decided to update the state's certification program rather than replace it with the Western Council program.
To this end, the Montana program underwent an update in 2009. State Library staff and an 11-member focus group of volunteer librarians, library support staff, and trustees worked together on the update.
The Focus Group's original recommendations were presented to the State Library Commission and to the library community. The focus group accepted comments and suggestions and then the revised recommendations were approved by the Commission in October 2009. The updated program was launched in January 2010.
"Montana librarians are public servants and this certification program helps them to provide top-notch service to our state's citizens," said Staffeldt. "Whether a patron needs help looking for work, planning a trip, applying for college scholarships, or just finding a good book for the weekend, our librarians will help them find whatever they need to move forward with their lives."
Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st Century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.
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