Why Become a Certified Librarian in Nevada?
Certification supports stronger libraries and better service. By becoming certified, you can improve library operations, increase customer satisfaction, enhance staff abilities, expand your knowledge and skills, and stay current with evolving technologies. Certification also helps ensure your library meets Nevada’s public library standards.
About the Program
Librarian certification is authorized under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 379.0073 and governed by Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 379. This program is specifically designed for employees of public libraries in Nevada that:
• Serve populations under 50,000, or
• Do not have an MLS-degreed staff member fulfilling the roles of library administrator, reference librarian, or children’s librarian.
Note: This program does not apply to individuals who already hold a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution. Additionally, large consolidated library districts serving populations over 1,000,000 may set their own executive director qualifications, which may include an MLS.
Certification through this program is Nevada-specific and is not transferable to other states or institutions.
For more information, contact us at this email address.
To be certified in Nevada as a librarian, you must:
(a) Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates of professional learning; and
(b) A verification of required years of experience; and
(c) A background check as required by NRS 379.0077
Requirements for certification as librarian. (NAC 379.020)
To be certified by the state library and archives administrator as a librarian, a person must:
1. Submit to the state library and archives administrator a completed application which is
accompanied by:
(a) Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates of professional learning; and
(b) A verification of required years of experience; and
(c) A background check as required by NRS 379.0077
2. Meet of one of the following qualifying levels of education and experience:
(a) A master’s degree; or
(b) A bachelor’s degree and have at least 2 years of library experience; or
(b) An associate’s degree and have at least 4 years of library experience; or
(c) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma and have at least 6 years of library experience.
3. Have completed at least 21 semester credits from an accredited college or university, 315 hours of continuing education, or an equivalent combination of the two (1 semester credit = 15 hours) which have been pre-approved by the state library administrator and include instruction in the following library core competencies:
(a) Library Administration
(b) Collection and Information Management
(c) Technology and Digital Services
(d) Patron Engagement and User Services
(e) Professional Skills and Competencies
(f) Specialized Library Services
Before beginning the certification program, please complete the Nevada Librarian Certification Interest and Course Preapproval Form. If you have questions, please contact us at this email address.
Requirements for renewal of certificate. (NAC 379.030)
A certificate as a librarian is valid for 5 years after the date on which it is issued. To renew such a certificate, a person must submit to the state library and archives administrator a recertification application and proof that he has completed satisfactorily:
(a) Three semester credits in library science including instruction in the areas of
library core competencies as established in NAC 379.020 (C); or
(b) 45 hours of library-related continuing education including instruction in the areas
of library core competencies as established in NAC 379.020 (C). ; or
(c) Any combination of paragraphs (a) and (b) (1 semester credit = 15 hours).
The application and proof required by subsection 1 must be received by the state library
and archives administrator before the expiration date of the person’s certificate. After two 5-year
renewal periods, the certificate will no longer require renewal and will be considered permanent.
Requirements for issuance of conditional certificate; completion of requirements for certification. (NAC 379.040)
1. The state library and archives administrator will issue a conditional certificate as alibrarian to a person who has completed at least 15 of the 21 semester credits or 225 of the 315 of continuing education hours, or an equivalent combination of the two (1 semester credit = 15hours) as established in NAC 379.020 (C); and submits a completed application which is accompanied by:
(a) Copies of academic transcripts and/or certificates of professional learning; and
(b) A verification of years of experience; and
(c) A background check as required by NRS 379.0077
2. To obtain certification as a librarian, a person who holds a conditional certificate pursuant to subsection 1 must complete the remaining requirements for certification prescribed in NAC 379.020 and submit an application for full certification within 5 years after issuance of the conditional certificate. Once certified, applicants will be subject to renewal requirements as established by NAC 379.030.
