Ninety-five librarians and trustees earned their certifications through the Montana State Library (MSL) in 2023. Among those recertified was Blaine County Library Director, Valerie Frank of Chinook.

The Montana Library Certification Program was established to promote continuing education and to recognize librarians and trustees who continue to expand their knowledge and skills to provide improved services for patrons and communities.

Frank, who has been certified since 2003, was initially certified on the staff track and then became certified on the Library Administrator Track in 2011, shortly after becoming Director of the Blaine County Library (BCL). As Frank explained, certification is a requirement of the MSL in order for a library to receive state funding.

Frank’s current certification is a renewal, which she earned and was awarded on June 16, 2023. That certificate is good through June 16, 2027. According to Frank, BCL and Harlem Public Library have required both the Director and Assistant Librarian to be certified “since at least 1994, and I’m sure before that as well.”

In fact, most—but not all libraries—encourage their employees to hold certificates. “Havre, for example, used to have all their employees certified, but they no longer do. Employees have up to four years to certify, although with all the online training available now—thanks to COVID—it doesn’t usually take that long,” Frank explained.

Although the requirements for Library Director Certification emphasize library administration, the process also provides flexibility for personalized goals and specialization. Library directors can exercise personal choices in creating individualized learning plans as they accumulate 60 continuing education credits, 30 credits in the Library Administration category, and 30 elective credits in any category.

The initial certification requirements set a foundation that can serve both small and large library needs, while renewal encourages professional growth based on the unique circumstances of the individual and the library. After initial certification, 60 elective continuing education credits are required for renewal.

Under this certification system, library personnel have the potential to increase knowledge and skills that can help them move into leadership positions and improve library services. All public library directors must continue to participate in continuing education activities and renew certification every four years.

Assistant Librarian, Emily Scofield is well on her way to being certified, and Frank expects that Scofield will be certified by the end of the year, if not before.

“When Kelsey Harry started here, she was able to certify immediately, using credits earned from her master’s in library science degree, which she had just received. As far as what certification means for me going forward, it doesn’t really change anything,” Frank said.

Frank suspects that she herself will not need to recertify again, as she expects to see retirement before 2027 when her certification expires.