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Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) is directed towards those who work in positions in libraries that do not require a graduate degree in Library Science. The LSSC Program is managed by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA – link: http://ala-apa.org/lssc/).
There is a fee to register for the program, and a fee for courses. To earn the certification, candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements, and then successfully complete six of ten competency sets. Candidates may complete these sets by completing approved courses or graduating from training programs in LSSC colleges with which LSSC has a Recognition Agreement.
The eligibility requirements are:
Courses are open to any library staff member. You do not need to be applying for certification to take any of the courses.
Comments from prior class participants:
“This is a great course that all front-line library staff should take it … At the very least, all reference desk staff should do this ‘Boot Camp’ to get up-to-date on current resources, etc.” [Reference and Information Services course, 2014]
“I really feel as this particular course has taken me to the basics, but let me see the big picture of the running of the library.” [Foundations course, 2015]
“Taking this course has given me an insight on how to be of better service to those I work with each day. I received a clear understanding on how to work with others and identify key components on how to effectively implement opportunities for positive results.” [Communications and Teamwork course, 2014]
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Before this I did not know the history of libraries or have a deep understanding of the nuts and bolts that make libraries work. Now, I understand and can pass the information to others who are not knowledgeable.” [Foundations course, 2015]
“I've learned more in the 10 weeks of class than I had in all of the years of working at the library.” [Foundations course, 2015]
The State Library of Louisiana has been approved to offer the following courses:
| Course Title / Competency | Course Offered |
| Reference and Information Services | January - March |
| Cataloging | February - April |
| Foundations of Library Service | March - May |
| Supervision and Management | August - October |
| Technology | October - December |
| Communication and Teamwork | September - November |
Exact dates are in the official course listing issued twice a year. All courses are offered completely online.
All courses are 10 weeks and include a weekly online (synchronous) webinar lasting approximately 90 minutes, homework and other written assignments (submitted electronically), and an open-book final exam.
The courses are listed in the semi-annual course list. Registration is through the same process as all continuing education events. For more information please contact Library Development staff at libdev@library.la.gov.