Library Director Certification
Wisconsin statutes require public library directors to be certified by the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning (DLTCL).
Contact SWLS Director David Kranz, Southwest Wisconsin Library System’s validator for continuing education at [email protected] or 608-822-3393, option 4, for answers to questions about certification and continuing education requirements.
The Three Grades of Certification:
Grade 1 certification is required for the director of a public library in a community with a population of 6,000 or more. A bachelor’s degree in any field of study and a master’s degree from a library school accredited by the American Library Association are required for grade 1 certification.
Grade 2 certification is required for the director of a public library in a community with a population between 3,000 and 5,999. To be eligible for grade 2 certification librarians must have a bachelor’s degree and three semester credits or the equivalent in each of the following areas: public library administration; selection of library materials; organization of library materials; and reference and information services. Library coursework must be approved by DLTCL.
Grade 3 certification is required for the director of a public library in a community with a population of less than 3,000. Grade 3 certification requires successful completion of not less than 54 semester hours of college level work, at least half of which must be in the liberal arts and sciences. The coursework must include or be supplemented by three semester credits in each of the following areas: public library administration; selection of library materials; organization of library materials; and reference and information services. Library coursework must be approved by DLTCL.
Temporary certification may be granted to new directors who apply within three months of their employment date. Temporary certificates are good for one year; Grade 2 and Grade 3 certificates may be eligible for renewal up to three times; temporary Grade 1 certificates may not be renewed.
Re-certification – Regular certification is valid for five years and may be renewed upon completion of at least 100 contact hours of continuing education. SWLS offers a variety of programs and workshops that qualify for continuing education credits.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Certification Forms & FAQ
Application for Public Librarian Certification (click to download or open)
Activity Report for Continuing Education (click to download or open)
Annual Summation of Continuing Education Activities (click to download or open)
Certification Manual for Wisconsin Public Library Directors (2011) (click to download or open)
Continuing Education Validators and Consultants from Public Library Systems
Courses Applicable for Certification at Wisconsin Institutions
Wisconsin Administrative Code for Public Library Certification (Chapter PI 6, Subchapter II)
Modified 11.20.2018