Need Your Help: New Public Librarians

Who is required by New York State to have a Public Librarian Certificate?

The certificate is required for employment in professional librarian positions in public and association libraries and public library systems.  All graduates of accredited colleges who earn an MLS or MSIS degree and wish to have the Public Librarian Certificate may apply.  For more information see Commissioner’s Regulation 90.7 (http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/excerpts/finished_regs/907.htm).

When did I receive my Public Librarian Certification?

Please click NYS Certified Public Librarian Search and type your last name in the search box. Your name and issue date of your certificate should appear. The most important information is the date when your certificate was issued.

Who is required to complete 60 hours of professional development every five years?

Any librarian whose Public Librarian Professional Certificate was issued on or after January 1, 2010.
The New York State Board of Regents revised the Commissioner's Regulations regarding certification of public librarians in 2008. Public librarian Professional Certificates issued as of January 1, 2010 and thereafter shall only remain valid when 60 hours of professional development are completed every five-year period. Such periods will be defined as every five years from the initial certificate date.  For information on reduced requirements for those not employed in a library or library system, please see Commissioner’s Regulation 90.7(d) at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/excerpts/finished_regs/907.htm.