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.
(a) The purpose of the certification program is to ensure library directors have the foundational skills necessary to manage a public library that meets standards set forth in ARM Subchapter 10.102.11 Public Library Development.
(b) A course of study will be reviewed by the Commission annually for approval at its final meeting of the state fiscal year.
(c) Continuing education credits issued through the State Library certification program are the only eligible credits that can be applied to certification.
(d) The certification program will be reviewed on a regular schedule with no more than 10 years between reviews.
Effective Date of New Rules: July 1, 2026.
2026 Policy Development
The Commission's next step is to adopt updated policies to implement the new rules. Please review each of the draft documents linked below and submit feedback via the forms.
Discussion Drafts
- 2026 Certification Policy Draft - For Discussion
- 2026 Certification Course of Study Draft for Discussion
- 2026 Certification Catalog Draft for Discussion
- 2026 Certification Preliminary FAQ
Feedback Forms
- 2026 Certification Policy Draft
- 2026 Certification Course of Study Draft
- 2026 Certification Catalog Draft
- 2026 Certification Preliminary FAQ Draft
Drop In Sessions
Bring your questions and ideas to discuss upcoming policy changes for the Montana State Library Certification Program.
Learn More About this Topic
Login to ASPeN to access the Continuing Education (CE) system to keep track of your continuing education credits and to apply for certification.
CE events are added
Access ASPeN Help for more information.
CE events are added
- automatically if you register for an event within ASPeN
- added from the continuing education list in ASPeN
- input as an independent learning event
Access ASPeN Help for more information.
- ASPeN Event Calendar – find and register for Montana State Library and Montana Library Association events.
- MSL Learn – Montana State Library’s online learning platform.
- MSL YouTube Channel – find recorded sessions from CE events to watch at your convenience and then claim CE credits in ASPeN.
- Montana Library Association (MLA) – MLA sponsors workshops, conferences, and other continuing education opportunities.
- WebJunction – MSL sponsors access to a large collection of live webinars and online courses across all CE categories and jobs.
- Other – trainings offered through your municipal or county government are a very good source for continuing education. Staff training days offered at your library are another way to claim independent learning credits.
