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 Endorsement Program? Review the FAQ to see if they're answered there. Otherwise, contact the CE Consultant.
Staff Contact
![Samantha Bouwers.png](https://www.statelibraryofiowa.gov/application/files/8916/2083/5905/Samantha_Bouwers.png)
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.
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