Official State of Iowa Website

Endorsement

The State Library sponsors an endorsement program for the Iowa library community. We currently award certifications with Director, Staff, or Youth Services Endorsements. The program is intended to:

  • Improve library service in Iowa by developing the skills of public library directors and staff
  • Provide recognition for public librarians
  • Enhance the public image of librarians and libraries
  • Provide guidelines that public library boards may use in developing staff hiring policies

 

Application for Endorsement & Renewal

Use this form to apply for a new endorsement, request changes to a current endorsement, or renew your endorsement.

To renew your endorsement:

  • Directors: earn 45 Hours of CE in a three-year period
  • Staff & Youth Services: earn 30 hours of CE in a three-year period

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about the Endosrsement Program? Review the FAQ to see if they're answered there. Otherwise, contact the CE Consultant.

Staff Contact

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Endorsement Program Track Map

Our Endorsement coursework is modular and builds upon itself. All endorsements start with 4 core courses, each made up of several modules. The various endorsements all have slightly different add-ons to that core. Below is a map of the tracks currently offered. Keep scrolling to see the required courses and their modules for Staff, Directors, and Youth Services. 

Click for a larger version of the track map image.

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Review the courses and their modules:

Core Courses

1. Library Foundations

  • Principles of a Noble Profession
  • City-Library Team & Support Organizations
  • Library as Place
  • Principles of Intellectual Freedom
  • Discussion Section

2. Intro to Public Services

  • Knowing Your Community
  • Providing Library Services
  • Customer Service
  • Library Programming
  • Telling the Library Story
  • Discussion Section

3. We’re All Tech Librarians

  • Digital Literacy
  • Technology in the Library
  • Discussion Section

4. Library Law

  • Overview of Library Law
  • Open Meetings, Open Records
  • Serving Families
  • Common Q&A
  • Discussion Section

Director Courses

1. Policy Development

  • Library Policies: An Overview
  • Policy: Philosophy & Regulations
  • Policy: Procedures & Guidelines
  • Legal Issues & Other Considerations

2. Collection Management

  • Building Your Collection
  • Maintaining Your Collection
  • Cataloging, Access, & Classification
  • Ready to Weed

3. Budget & Finance

  • Free Libraries Aren’t Free
  • Budgets & the Law
  • Budget Processes
  • Budget Presentations

4. HR & Volunteer Management

  • Library HR & the Law
  • Job Descriptions
  • Successful Hiring
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Disciplining & Firing

Youth Services Course

Library Services for Youth

  • Serving Ages 0-6
  • Serving Ages 7-12
  • Services for Ages 12-18
  • Outreach
  • Collection Development
  • Programming