Top 11 Library Director Certifications

Certifications are important for library directors in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the director is qualified and knowledgeable about the library field. Certifications can also provide assurance that the director has a comprehensive understanding of library operations, technology, and best practices. Employers value certifications as an indicator of a person’s commitment to their profession and dedication to staying up-to-date with changes in the field. Additionally, certifications can give library directors an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Library Directors and explain how they can help enhance a library director's career.

What are Library Director Certifications?

Library director certification is a professional credential that library directors can earn to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the management of library operations. This certification is offered through the American Library Association (ALA) and requires passing an examination that covers topics such as library administration, personnel management, budgeting and finance, technology, and customer service. The certification also includes a commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Library director certification can provide many benefits for those who seek it out. It demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and provides recognition of expertise in the field of library administration. It also encourages lifelong learning by requiring continuing education credits which keep administrators abreast of new developments in the field. Additionally, it increases job opportunities for certified librarians as employers may view them as more qualified candidates than those without the credential. Finally, having this certification can help librarians increase their salary potential as they are often seen as more highly skilled than those without it.

Pro Tip: When considering library director certification, be sure to review the requirements for each certification program and contact the certifying organization to ensure that you meet all of their criteria. This will help ensure that you are properly prepared for the certification process.

Related: What does a Library Director do?

Top 11 Library Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Library Directors today.

1. Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA)

Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) is a professional certification program for library administrators and directors. It is offered by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association. The CPLA certification recognizes library professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in public library administration.

To become certified, you must meet certain education and experience requirements, complete an application process, and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as budgeting, personnel management, library services, technology, and other topics related to public library administration.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete the certification process. The cost of the exam fee is $400 USD for PLA members or $500 USD for non-members. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional costs associated with studying for the exam or taking preparatory courses.

2. Certified Library Director (CLD)

Certified Library Director (CLD) is a professional certification program offered by the American Library Association (ALA). It is designed to recognize and reward library directors who demonstrate excellence in their profession. The CLD program provides a comprehensive evaluation of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful library leadership.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the CLD certification. To qualify for the CLD program, candidates must have a master's degree from an accredited library school or equivalent experience; at least five years of successful library administration experience; and current ALA membership. Candidates must also pass an online examination that covers topics such as budgeting, personnel management, technology planning, and collection development.

The cost of the CLD program varies depending on whether you take the online exam or attend an in-person workshop. The online exam costs $250 while attending an in-person workshop can cost up to $600. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any portion of the exam or if you choose to pursue continuing education credits after completing the program.

3. American Library Association Certification in Library Leadership and Management (ALA-CLLM)

The American Library Association Certification in Library Leadership and Management (ALA-CLLM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage libraries. The ALA-CLLM credential is designed to provide library professionals with the tools they need to excel in their roles as library leaders, managers, and administrators.

The ALA-CLLM program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an assessment exam. The online course covers topics such as library management, leadership, budgeting, personnel management, technology management, marketing, customer service, and more. It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete the online course.

To get the ALA-CLLM certification, individuals must first complete the online course and then pass the assessment exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for the entire program is $595 USD.

4. Certified Manager of Library Services (CMOLS)

Certified Manager of Library Services (CMOLS) is a professional certification program for library managers. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of library managers who have achieved a high level of competency in managing libraries. The certification is awarded by the American Library Association (ALA).

The CMOLS program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an oral examination. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as library management, budgeting, personnel management, technology, customer service and more. The oral examination requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a face-to-face interview with an ALA panel.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass both the online assessment and the oral examination. It typically takes six months or more to complete the entire process from start to finish.

The cost for taking the CMOLS exam varies depending on whether you are a member of ALA or not; members pay $200 while non-members pay $250. There may also be additional fees for study materials or other services related to taking the exam.

5. Certified Academic Library Director (CALD)

Certified Academic Library Director (CALD) is a professional certification offered by the American Library Association (ALA). The CALD certification is designed to recognize library directors who have demonstrated expertise in leading and managing academic libraries. It is intended to promote excellence in library management, leadership, and service.

To become certified as a CALD, an individual must meet certain qualifications and demonstrate their knowledge of library administration through an examination. To qualify for the CALD exam, candidates must hold a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program in library science or information science, have at least five years of full-time experience as a director of an academic library, and have completed at least two courses in library management or administration.

The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as budgeting, personnel management, collection development, technology management, and strategic planning. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is administered twice per year.

The cost for the CALD exam is $450 for members of the ALA and $550 for non-members.

6. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Program in School Librarianship (NCATE-SLP)

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Program in School Librarianship (NCATE-SLP) is a voluntary, specialized accreditation program that provides recognition to school library media programs that meet the standards set by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The NCATE-SLP accreditation process is designed to ensure that school library media programs are effectively managed and provide high quality instruction and services.

The accreditation process typically takes two years to complete. During this time, the applicant school library media program must demonstrate compliance with all of the AASL standards. This includes providing evidence of effective management, instruction, and services; demonstrating fiscal responsibility; and ensuring that staff members have appropriate credentials and qualifications.

To receive NCATE-SLP accreditation, applicants must submit an application packet which includes documentation such as a self-study report, financial statements, curriculum materials, and other supporting materials. After submitting the application packet, applicants will be evaluated by a team of experts who will review all documents provided. If approved for accreditation, schools will receive official notification from NCATE-SLP.

The cost for applying for NCATE-SLP accreditation varies depending on the size of the school library media program being evaluated. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000-$5,000 to apply for NCATE-SLP accreditation.

7. Association for Library and Information Science Education Certificate in Academic Leadership (ALISE-CAL)

The Association for Library and Information Science Education Certificate in Academic Leadership (ALISE-CAL) is a professional development program designed to prepare librarians, information professionals, and educators for leadership roles in academic settings. The program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to successfully lead library and information science programs in higher education.

The ALISE-CAL program consists of two parts: an online course and a practicum experience. The online course is designed to provide participants with an overview of library and information science theory and practice, as well as an introduction to leadership principles. The practicum experience is designed to allow participants to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

The ALISE-CAL program takes approximately one year to complete. Participants must complete both the online course and the practicum experience within this timeframe in order to receive the certificate.

To get the ALISE-CAL certificate, applicants must first submit an application form along with transcripts from any relevant educational institutions they have attended. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete all required courses within one year of their start date. Upon completion of all requirements, participants will receive their ALISE-CAL certificate.

The cost of the ALISE-CAL program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ALISE or a student at an accredited institution offering library and information science programs. Non-members pay $1,800 for the full program; members pay $1,500; students pay $1,200; and those who qualify for financial aid may be eligible for reduced fees based on need.

8. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Diploma in Advanced Studies in Librarianship (IFLA-DASL)

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Diploma in Advanced Studies in Librarianship (IFLA-DASL) is an advanced professional qualification for librarians. It is designed to provide librarians with the knowledge and skills required to take on a leadership role in the library profession. The diploma is awarded by IFLA, the global professional association for library and information services.

The IFLA-DASL program takes two years to complete and consists of three parts: a core curriculum, elective courses, and a research project. The core curriculum includes topics such as library management, digital libraries, information literacy, and copyright law. Elective courses cover topics such as collection development, cataloging, reference services, and archives management. The research project requires students to develop a project proposal based on their own research interests and then carry out the proposed project over the course of the two-year program.

To get an IFLA-DASL diploma, applicants must have at least five years of experience working in a library or related field. They must also submit transcripts from their previous studies as well as letters of recommendation from two professional references. Additionally, applicants must pass a written exam covering topics from the core curriculum before they can be awarded the diploma.

The cost of obtaining an IFLA-DASL diploma varies depending on where you are studying and which institution you are studying at. Generally speaking, however, it can range from €2 000 to €4 000 for the entire two-year program.

9. Institute of Museum and Library Services Executive Leadership Program Certificate (IMLS-ELP)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services Executive Leadership Program Certificate (IMLS-ELP) is a professional development program for library and museum directors and senior staff. The program provides training in leadership, management, and organizational development through a series of online modules. It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the certificate program, depending on the individual’s availability and commitment.

To get the IMLS-ELP certificate, individuals must complete all required modules, which include topics such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing and communications, human resources management, technology management, fundraising and grant writing. Participants must also submit a final project that demonstrates their understanding of the material covered in the modules.

The cost to participate in the IMLS-ELP certificate program is $1,500. This fee covers all course materials as well as access to expert faculty who provide guidance throughout the course.

10. National Commission for Certifying Agencies Professional Librarian Certification Program (NCCA-PLCP)

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies Professional Librarian Certification Program (NCCA-PLCP) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize professional librarians who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide library services in an effective and efficient manner. The NCCA-PLCP is a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent professional librarian practice.

In order to obtain the NCCA-PLCP certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a master's degree in library science from an accredited institution and at least two years of professional experience in library service. Applicants must also pass a written examination that covers topics such as library administration, collection management, information technology, reference services, and user services.

The process of obtaining the NCCA-PLCP certification typically takes between six months and one year. During this time period, applicants must complete all of the necessary steps outlined by the NCCA-PLCP guidelines. This includes completing the application form and submitting all required documents; taking and passing the written examination; attending an orientation session; completing an online self-assessment; participating in an interview with a panel of experts; and submitting a portfolio demonstrating their qualifications for certification.

The cost of obtaining the NCCA-PLCP certification varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD. This cost includes fees for registration, orientation sessions, examinations, portfolio review/interview process fees as well as any additional fees associated with maintaining certification over time.

11. American Association of School Librarians National Board Certification for School Librarianship (AASL-NBCSL).

The American Association of School Librarians National Board Certification for School Librarianship (AASL-NBCSL) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes school librarians who have achieved the highest level of professional excellence in their field. It is designed to provide a national standard of excellence for school library professionals and to recognize those who have met this standard.

The certification process takes approximately three years to complete, including the application process and completion of all requirements. To get started, applicants must first submit an online application and pay the application fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of activities and assessments that demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities as a school librarian. This includes completing two portfolios that showcase their work in various areas such as curriculum integration, technology integration, library management, collaboration with teachers and other stakeholders, and advocacy for school libraries.

Once all requirements are completed successfully, applicants are eligible to take the AASL-NBCSL exam which tests their knowledge in areas such as library management, information literacy instruction, technology integration in education settings, leadership development and advocacy for school libraries. After passing the exam with a score of at least 80%, applicants will receive their certification from AASL-NBCSL.

The total cost to obtain AASL-NBCSL certification is $1125 USD which includes the initial application fee ($100), annual renewal fees ($75/year), portfolio fees ($400/portfolio), assessment fees ($175/assessment) and exam fee ($475).

Do You Really Need a Library Director Certificate?

Yes, you do need a Library Director Certificate if you want to work as a library director in any capacity. A library director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a library and its staff. This includes overseeing budgets and staffing, developing policies and procedures, selecting materials, developing collections, providing services to patrons, and promoting the library in the community. In order to be successful in this role, one must have knowledge of library operations, management principles and practices, interpersonal communication skills, technology skills, and passion for service excellence.

A Library Director Certificate program offers courses that provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a library. These courses may include topics such as financial management, personnel management, collection development and maintenance, information literacy instruction, outreach services planning and delivery methods, technology integration into library services, marketing strategies for libraries and much more. In addition to these topics specific to librarianship practice, certificate programs also offer courses on leadership development which can help prepare aspiring directors for their roles as leaders of their libraries.

The value of earning a Library Director Certificate lies in the fact that it provides prospective employers with evidence that an individual has not only obtained knowledge about librarianship practice but also has taken action steps towards becoming an effective leader within the field. Certificates demonstrate dedication to learning best practices in librarianship while giving prospective employers confidence in hiring someone who is committed to achieving success in this field.

In conclusion, if you are looking to pursue a career as a library director or move up within your current role then earning a Library Director Certificate is essential to your success. The certificate will grant you access to industry-specific knowledge while providing employers with evidence of your commitment towards excellence within this profession.

Related: Library Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Library Director Certifications

1. How do I become a library director?

A: To become a library director, you will need to have a master’s degree in library science, or a related field such as educational leadership or information technology management. You may also need to have several years of experience working in libraries, and pass an exam administered by the American Library Association (ALA).

2. What is the difference between a library director and other library staff?

A: A library director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a library’s operations, from budgeting and personnel management to programming and services. Other library staff typically focus on specific areas such as reference services, cataloging, or collection development.

3. What certifications are available for library directors?

A: The American Library Association (ALA) offers two certifications for library directors: the Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) and the Certified Academic Library Director (CALD). Both certifications require passing an exam administered by ALA.

4. How much does it cost to become certified as a library director?

A: The cost to become certified as a CPLA or CALD depends on your membership status with ALA. Non-members pay $375 while members pay $275 for either certification examination. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain testing centers.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a library director?

A: The time frame for becoming certified varies depending on how quickly you can prepare for and pass the exams administered by ALA. Generally speaking, most people can complete their certification within 6-12 months if they are dedicated to studying and preparing for the exams.