Continuing Education

All directors need at least 8 hours of Continuing Education/Professional Development every year. These hours are required to be documented and submitted on the annual report.

The district offers the opportunity for directors to attend the Pennsylvania Library Association conference that happens in the fall. Other at-cost Continuing Education opportunities for directors may be considered upon request.

To submit your Continuing Education hours for approval, complete the online form.

Competencies

Core CompetencesThe Core Competences of Librarianship define the knowledge to be possessed by all persons graduating from ALA-accredited master’s programs in library and information studies. The Presidential Task Force on Library Education has gathered together the drafts of the Core Competences resulting from the work of various bodies in response to the first Congress on Professional Education and, following extensive consultation and redrafting, presented them in the current form to the

Competency Index for the Library FieldA compilation of competency statements that address a broad spectrum of library service and practice.

Core Competencies - Ohio Library CouncilOhio Public Library Core Competencies The Ohio Public Library Core Competencies were initially developed in response to a direct recommendation from the Ohio Library Council’s Futures Initiative. Research and compilation was completed by members of OLC’s Professional Development Committee (PDC). The OLC’s PDC completed a yearlong intense review of the Ohio Public Library Core Competencies in …

Guidelines

Webinars, Trainings, and Courses

Many free virtual Continuing Education opportunities are available for your viewing. For opportunities that require a fee, consult with District headquarters to see if funding may be available to subsidize the cost.

Niche Academy

Niche Academy offers OCL approved free pre-recorded courses for all library staff, volunteers, and board members. CE certificates can be printed directly from the site and do not require further approval from the district consultant.

ABLE Courses from Idaho Commission for Libraries

ABLE has been providing library basics for library staff world-wide since 1998. Over 5,000 ABLE Course Completion Certificates have been printed and distributed to individuals in 32 countries. Courses include Collection Development, Technical Services, Public Services, and more.

TechSoup Webinars

TechSoup offers free nonprofit webinars on everything from social media, to marketing and outreach, to technology planning.

Library Juice Academy

Library Juice Academy offers a range of online professional development workshops for librarians and other library staff, focusing on practical topics to build new skills. The curriculum is designed by librarians with a focus on skills that are in demand in the profession, rather than the academic tradition of library education that tends to address other priorities.

WebJunction: The Learning Place for Libraries

WebJunction builds the knowledge, skills and confidence of library staff to power strong libraries that are the heart of vibrant communities. A program of OCLC Research, WebJunction is free and welcome to all libraries to use, regardless of size, type or location.