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Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Voluntary Public Librarian Certification Program

How do I get started?: Register your interest in participating on the MSL website (see the link in the yellow information box on the right side of the page). When your registration is received, an account will be created for you in the staff academy and the basic required courses will be assigned if that is the level you are working on. To complete the elective requirements, simply take a course. We will also create an account for in Skillsoft which provides many of the management courses (and all the required management courses at the Basic level). You will receive welcome emails from both platforms.; Begin taking the required courses in any order. Use the tracking spreadsheet (available on the main certification page) to keep track of your progress.; From the time we receive your registration, you will have 2 years to complete the requirements for Basic Certification. One year is allowed for Intermediate Certification or Advanced Certification
How do I find a course in WebJunction?: We have provided direct links to courses where possible (for example courses offered by ABLE or Infopeople). For courses in WebJunction, you must have a free learner account with WebJunction. Be sure to record the information you submit so you’re able to login once approved. To create an account at WebJunction, go to https://learn.webjunction.org/ and click Login in the upper right. Each course in the academy has a direct link to the WebJunction log in page. The course description also contains a bread crumb trail which will help you located the course in WebJunction's catalog.
How do I get a certificate for completing a course?: Each course in the Maine Staff Academy contains a brief test. Once the test is completed, you will see a link to download a certificate for your records. If you are using a meeting or course/webinars that is not in the academy, submit the online reporting form which is on the Voluntary Public Librarian Certification page to verify that you have completed a course. Information recorded on this form is automatically forwarded to the CE consultant and back to you for your records.; You can also download a certificate for courses in WebJunction, ABLE and SABLE.
How do I get my certification?: The Maine State Library CE Consultant will maintain a database of course completions. Each quarter, the consultant will generate certificates for those who have completed a level.
Once I’ve achieved a certification level, how do I maintain it?: Each year, you must complete 5 library-related courses, workshops, or webinars to maintain your certification level. Use the online form to submit information about CE events attended or other courses and webinars you take..
I have an MLS. Do I need to be certified?: Not necessarily. The state library looks at this program as a lifelong learning tool and a way to keep your skills and knowledge sharp. If an MLS librarian chooses to participate in the certification, he or she will automatically receive an Advanced Level Certification. To maintain that level, the librarian must complete 5 library-related courses, workshops, or webinars during the year after being issued certification.
I’ve completed the program at University of Maine, Augusta. Do I need to be certified?: Not necessarily. The state library looks at this program as a lifelong learning tool and a way to keep your skills and knowledge sharp. Graduates of the University of Maine, Augusta library program will be awarded certification as follows: