Library Support Staff Certification

I have recently engaged in the American Library Association's Library Support Staff Certification process. To gain certification, support staff must successfully complete 6 courses (or turn in 6 qualified portfolios) proving their knowledge in specified areas of library science. Each course is approximately 6 weeks long (6 seems to be the magic number!) and aims to impart formal library training and education on employees who have not completed a Master's in Library Science.

While tuition and fees can be costly (essentially the $$$ of an online undergraduate class), scholarships are available (Wyomingites, refer to the Carol McMurry Library Endowment) to alleviate the expense. My impressions thus far boil down this: these classes help me take a step back and view my position, my department, and my library with fresh eyes. And that in turn makes me better at my job.