Certifying Library Paraprofessionals
Interface Volume 26, Spring, 2004. Interface is the newsletter published by the ASCLA division of the ALA. SOLINET is partnering with Lexington (Ky.) Community College to bring a paraprofessional certification program to library staff across the southeast U.S.
Volume 26, Number 1, Spring 2004
SOLINET and Lexington Community College Join Forces to Certify Library Paraprofessionals
SOLINET is pleased to announce a partnership with Lexington (Ky.) Community College to bring a paraprofessional certification
program to library staff across the southeast U.S. Designed for individuals currently in or preparing for paraprofessional
positions in libraries, the program grants an Academic Certificate in Library Information Technology. The LCC program uses
distance technologies to deliver the training; through the agreement with SOLINET, the training is available to individuals
from SOLINET member libraries at Kentucky in-state tuition rates regardless of location.
“Paraprofessionals are playing increasingly responsible roles in library operations,” said SOLINET Executive Director Kate
Nevins. “It is imperative that we train these paraprofessionals to be effective and knowledgeable. Lexington Community
College offers an excellent program, and we are very happy to be able to make it available to our member libraries.”
The program was developed for paraprofessionals in public libraries, and many of the courses address public library topics.
The courses, however, are beneficial for staff at libraries of all types and sizes. Much of the assigned work during the
courses involves performing activities and doing assignments in the students’ own libraries, and the training is adaptable
to most situations.
The online program is administered by Martha Birchfield, Professor at Lexington
Community College (toll free at 866-774-4872, ext. 4159). Erica Waller at SOLINET
(toll-free 1-800-999-8558) is available for additional information and assistance.
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Certifying Library Paraprofessionals