dave dowell
DESCRIPTION
Second presentation from the LYRASIS Public Library Symposium by David Dowell on Certification for Support StaffTRANSCRIPT
Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)
Sponsored by
the American Library Association,
the ALA-Allied Professional Association,
and the Western Council of State Libraries
Development Funded by IMLS
December 4, 2009 3
LSSC – More information?
Website: http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc
Karen Strege [email protected] 829 8821 206 407 9756 (cell)
Nancy Bolt [email protected] 303 642 0338303 905 9347 (cell)
Dave Dowell [email protected] 772 8649
LYRASIS Public Library Symposium
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LSS Certification
“I want recognition that my job is important, that my work is valued, that I am valued as a human being. This is more important than money. I want to be trusted that I will do what I’m paid for. I need pride in myself and my job.”
Suzanne Mahmoodi and Kathleen Weibel, Paraprofessionals: What Are They Doing? What Are the Trends? How Do They Get to A Desired Future; A Report of Focus Groups (unpublished, 1991).
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Why is Certification Needed?
69% of all library staff are library support staff
In a national survey* 86% respondents supported national
certification 76% supported national LSS standards 66% think certification would improve public
service*Survey conducted by the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) in 2004
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Benefits of Certification
Maryland & Minnesota Surveys
LSS & Managers think library users are better served by staff with certification.
LSS believe they understand library service better.
LSS report more confidence serving users.
Managers report that LSS contribute more to operations & success.
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Why LSS Are Interested
From November 2008 LSS survey:
Recognition for experience, education, and/or skills.
Learn new things about the library field.
Provide better service to library users.
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Federal Grant
After years of discussion . . .
Awarded IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant
July 2007 – June 2010
Dr. Karen Strege and Nancy Bolt project directors
Managed by ALA-APA
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Advisory Committee
Dorothy Morgan, Anne Marie Kehnast, LSSIRT
Dave Dowell, ACRL Barbara Marson, ALCTS Diana Reese, ASCLA Robert Daugherty, LLAMA Carolyn Anthony, PLA Diane Shonrock, Jean Alexander
RUSA Frank Novak, Peggy Seiden,
Committee on Education Carol Johnson, Education Expert Rand Simmons, Western Council of
State Libraries
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Grant Schedule
Finalize competencies: 2007-08
Assessment program: 2008-09
Policies and procedures: 2008-09
Approval: 2009
Field tests: Fall 2009
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Program Approved!
July 13, 2009 by ALA Executive Board
Also by:
Public Library Association Assn. of College and Research Libraries Assn. of Specialized and Cooperative Library
Agencies Assn. of Library Collections and Technical Services Library Leadership & Management Assn. Reference & User Services Assn. Library Support Staff Interests Round Table
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PROGRAM BEGINS !!
January 2010
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LSSC Features: Affordable
Accessible
Not a guarantee of raise or promotion
A mix of required and elective competencies
Establishes national, basic standards of LSS competency
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More LSSC Features:
Evaluates prior learning and new learning
A valid assessment of competencies
Self supporting
Portable from state to state if approved by state
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Eligibility Requirements
High school education or its equivalent
One year of library experience, from any type of library
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Certification Requirements
Must complete six competency sets out of 10
Must complete three required competency sets
Candidate achieves a competency set by completing an approved course or submitting a portfolio
Once a set is achieved, candidate need not complete it again
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Policies and Procedures Candidates have four years to complete
assessments
Fee is $350, $325 for ALA members
All submissions online
Certification is for five years
Renewal will be required but details TBD
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Competency Sets
Required Foundations of Library Service Communication and Teamwork Technology
Electives (3 chosen) Access Services Cataloging and Classification Collection Management Reader’s Advisory Services Reference and Information Services Supervision and Management Youth Services
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Example 1:Communication and
Teamwork
Library Support Staff will know:
1. Basic concepts of interpersonal relations, customer service and communication.
2. The importance of upholding policies and decisions and when to make exceptions.
3. Tools for resolving conflict.
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Communication (cont’d)Library Support Staff will be able to:
4. Treat others with respect, fairness and consistency.
5. Seek, give, and accept constructive feedback from coworkers, supervisors and users.
6. Resolve conflict in a positive and productive manner and judge when situations should be referred to a supervisor.
7. Write clearly, logically, and concisely.
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Assessment Methodology
• Recognize prior learning and new learning
• Two methods: • approved courses • portfolios
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Course Approval Process
Any course provider can apply
Application process at www.ala-apa.org/lsscp
Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner
Goal to have providers in every competency by January 2010
Application fee $100 for the first two courses $50 for each additional course
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Portfolio Assessment Method
All material submitted online
Subscription to portfolio system with registration
Portfolio manual and training are being developed
Training for portfolio evaluators
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Portfolio Development Suggestions
Suggested activities for demonstrating each competency
Can choose a suggested activity or design own activities
Uploaded to portfolio when done
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Portfolio Development Suggestions
Communication Competency 6Resolve conflict in a positive and productive manner and judge when situations should be referred to a supervisor.
Suggested Activities
6.1 Maintain a journal log of conflicts that arise in your work situation during a one-month period including interpersonal conflicts, communication problems, time-management conflicts, etc. Note whether the conflict was resolved by front-line staff or referred to a supervisor, and why. What recommendations would you make for conflict resolution process in your work situation?
6.2 Interview three supervisors in a library and summarize their views on how to handle conflict in a positive and productive manner. Under what circumstances would they prefer that the problem be referred up the chain of command? How do the methods suggested compare and contrast?
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Field Demonstrations – Fall 2009
Lincoln Trail Libraries System (IL)
Louisiana State Library
Texas Library Association
Highline Community College (WA)
Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) – ALA Division
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Next Steps
Field test all program aspects
Recruit participants and course providers
Develop support for candidates
Finalize all policies and procedures
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WHY LSS Certification?
National Certification is going to make a bigger difference than many folks realize. This portable standard of excellence will obviously benefit Support Staff. We are valuable assets to well-functioning libraries. This needs to be established beyond regional purviews.
Linda Pierro, Retired Library Support StaffLYRASIS Public Library
Symposium
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LSS – More information? Website: http://www.ala-apa.org/lsscp
Karen Strege [email protected] 829 8821 206 407 9756 (cell)
Nancy Bolt [email protected] 303 642 0338303 905 9347 (cell)
Dave Dowell [email protected] 772 8648
LYRASIS Public Library Symposium