The NYSLAA Library Assistant Certificate Program recognizes library assistants' contributions to libraries and the library profession. A Certificate of Achievement is issued to acknowledge the education and skills the library assistant has acquired. The overall purpose of the program is to acknowledge the achievements of the library assistant and provide recognition by NYSLAA for quality work performance.

In 1992, NYSLAA conducted a membership survey which included questions about certification. Seventy-eight percent of those responding indicated that they favored a voluntary program. In 1993, a majority of library assistants attending the Annual Conference indicated that NYSLAA should work on a voluntary program similar to the one developed by the Utah Library Association. Why NYSLAA? As the professional association of library assistants in New York State, NYSLAA is the appropriate body to administer such a program. A draft of the program was presented to focus groups of library assistants and library administrators for their input. A two year pilot program was approved by the NYSLAA Executive Council and implemented in January 1995. The first eight applicants received their certificates at the 1995 NYSLAA Annual Conference held in Buffalo, New York. In 1999, NYLA (New York Library Association) endorsed the Certificate of Achievement Program. In 2000, Level IV was implemented. Currently 135 participants have received their certificates.

Each Certificate requires a minimum number of points. Points are earned from various Sources of Expertise. A registration fee of $20.00 Dollars for NYSLAA Members ($40.00 for non-members) must accompany your registration form. A non-member may register at the member rate if they join NYSLAA at the time of registering for the program.

There are three Sources of Expertise: Experience, Education, and Other. Experience is your full-time equivalent employment or volunteer work. Education is higher education credit hours. Other includes workshops and programs, presentations and teaching, publications, participation in library association activities, and more.

Points may be granted for other library related experience or activities by writing a letter of explanation referred to as a Competency Statement. Competency Statements require all information necessary to allow the Review Board to decide how many points should be granted for the activity you describe.

See the NYSLAA Certificate of Achievement Program - Guidelines for the full text or as a printable PDF.

Track your progress! See our Certificate of Achievement Program - Tools page for worksheets and documents.

A Review Board, appointed by the NYSLAA Executive Council reviews all materials submitted for a certificate. You may also contact them for further information.

Melissa Tidd
Goshen Public Library
Goshen, NY 10924