Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) Certification Program Overview

Introduction

The proposed Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) program is a post-MLS certification program for public librarians jointly sponsored by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), the Public Library Association (PLA) and the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA).

The proposed CPLA certification will enable public library administrators:

to further their professional education and development
to move to a higher level of practical professional expertise
to improve career opportunities through professional contacts
to demonstrate to colleagues, trustees and board of directors, patrons and the wider information community that the certified person has acquired a professionally recognized body of knowledge and expertise in public library administration.

ASCLA, PLA and LAMA are currently working on the program’s standards and processes and expect to formally announce the program in 2002.

Eligibility for CPLA Certification

A masters degree in library or information science from a library school accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) will be required for participation in the CPLA program. Other eligibility criteria and candidate information are to be determined.

Earning the Designation

Candidates will earn the CPLA designation through a combination of activities in three major areas.

Employment: Candidates must demonstrate 5 years of full time public library supervisory experience.

Related professional activities: These include participation in academic or professional development workshops or institutes; course development and/or presentation; writing or editing journal articles, newsletters, magazines or books on topics related to public library management; and committee or officer chair service at national, regional, or local professional society meetings.

Proof of Competency/Commitment: The joint PLA/ASCLA/LAMA committee working on this initiative has defined nine core areas of competency for public library administrators. Candidates will earn the CPLA designation through testing, portfolio development, and/or attendance at sanctioned educational events, to be determined.

Send comments or suggestions for the CPLA program to: cpla@ala.org.

For more information on the CPLA program, contact Linda Bostrom, Education Director, PLA, at 800-545-2433, ext 5027, or 312-280-5027, by e-mail at lbostrom@ala.org, or by fax to 312-280-5029.