all about the american library association-allied professional association (ala-apa) proactive...

All about the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA)

Proactive Approaches to Improving the Salaries

and Status of Our Profession

ALA-APA and You: A Winning Partnership for

Library Employees


A History of ALA-APA

Established in 2002Provides services in two primary areas:

1) Certification 2) Advocacy for improving salaries

for library workers• Governance is independent but interlocked with ALA.


Salary Advocacy

ALA-APA Salary Survey – Librarian: Public and AcademicALA-APA Salary Survey – Non-MLS: Public and Academic (2007)Library Salary DatabaseLibrary Worklife: HR E-News for Today’s LeadersThe ALA-APA Better Salaries and Pay Equity Toolkit. Download it free!Pay Equity Bibliography


NewsletterCareer AdvancementHR LawHR PracticeRecruitmentSalaries and Pay EquityStatisticsSupport StaffWork Life

The ALA-APA Newsletter at Your Fingertips!


Celebrate the Tuesday of National Library Week

Submit a Star athttp://ala-apa.org/nlwd/


Now a few words about CertificationALA-APA defines certification as:

usually offered by a professional association;voluntary;requiring that applicants meet minimum criteria, such as experience or education;granting the authority for graduates to use a designation (e.g., CPLA®);including an assessment covering a broad range of skills;ensuring the privacy of participants; andrequiring that certified professionals adhere to procedures to retain the designation.


Certified Public Library Administrator Goals

Professional development.Practical professional experience.Improve professional expertise.Demonstrate that you have acquired a nationally and professionally recognized body of knowledge and expertiseImprove the quality of library service.


CPLA CompetenciesCore standards Budget and Finance Management of Technology Organization and Personnel Administration Planning and Management of BuildingsElective standards Current Issues Fundraising Marketing Politics and Networking Service to Diverse Populations


Would you like to SAY THIS at your next staff meeting?

The technology plan I wrote for a CPLA course has been adopted for our library.Our library received a grant based on my project for a CPLA course.I have discovered that there are communities that our library is not reaching.I am more confident in everything I do in the library!


CPLA Process for ApplicantsApply at http://ala-apa.org/certification/application/Pay the feeTake courses - http://ala-apa.org/certification/courses-offered/Submit Course Completion FormsComplete four core and three electives within 5 yearsEnjoy the CPLA designation (until you have to renew)!


Why is Support Staff Certification Needed?

69% of all library staff are library support staff

In a national survey LSS said they *

supported national certification (87%)supported national LSS standards (76%)believe certification would improve public service (66%)

*Survey conducted by the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) in 2004

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The Library Support Staff Certification Program is: Affordable and accessible A mix of required and elective

competencies Establishes national, basic standards Evaluates prior learning and new learning Reciprocal at state level (if approved by

state) A valid assessment of competencies Not a guarantee of raise or promotion

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Competency Sets Required• Foundations of Library Service• Communication and Teamwork • Technology

Electives • Access Services• Adult Readers’ Advisory Services • Cataloging and Classification• Collection Management• Reference and Information Services• Supervision and Management• Youth Services

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Competency Set Example: Foundations of Library Service

Library Support Staff will know:1. The mission and roles of a library in its

community and the mission of libraries in general.

2. The ethics and values of the profession, including an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records and privacy issues.

3. The roles of Library Support Staff and other staff in libraries.

4. The responsibilities of and the relationships among library departments or functional areas.

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LSSC Program Assessment Methodology: or How we know you know the competencies

• Recognize prior learning and new learning

• Two methods: • Portfolios• Approved courses

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Portfolio Development Suggestions

Suggested activities for demonstrating each competency (you can create your own)

Upload to portfolio when done

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Eligibility and Procedures

High school diploma or equivalentOne year of library experience, from any type of libraryFour years to complete 6 competency setsFee of $325 for ALA members (includes subscription to online portfolio)Certification is for four years Renewal will be required

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Library Managers can help!

Encourage staff to participate

Provide financial assistance

Grant time off to complete coursework/portfolios

Allow interaction with staff for assignments

Recognize accomplishments

Give candidates increased responsibility

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Top Ways to Get Involved With ALA-APA!

Volunteer for one of ALA-APA’s committees: (Salaries & Status of Library Workers, Certification)Stay current on issues effecting the library workforce by reading: Library Worklife: HR E-News for Today’s Leaders or write for Library Worklife.Download the Advocating for Better Salaries and Pay Equity Toolkit and find ways to use it in your library to improve salaries.


Top Ways to Get Involved with ALA-APA!

Donate to ALA-APA. ALA-APA has no members and depends on your contributions.Celebrate National Library Workers Day—the Tuesday of National Library Week.Subscribe to either the MoneyTalks or Union electronic discussion lists.Attend ALA-APA meetings and programs at ALA Midwinter and Annual Conferences.Learn the facts and initiate discussions about improving salaries, pay equity, and certification with your colleagues, managers, trustees, and others.Spread the word!


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