Certification

Ohio Public Librarian Certification

The Ohio Public Librarian Certification Program recognizes individual librarians who have met minimum standards established by the Ohio Library Council. An individual who meets these standards and has successfully completed the certification process is recognized as a Certified Public Librarian in Ohio.

The minimum standards for initial Ohio Public Librarian Certification are:

  • A master’s degree in library and information studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association
  • Two years of experience working in a library

Renewal of the certification requires:

  • 75 continuing education contact hours*
    *Contact hours must be earned during the five-year period immediately preceding renewal of the certificate.

The cost of certification is:

  • Initial Certification
    • $25 for OLC individual members
    • $50 for non-members
  • Recertification
    • $25 for OLC individual members
    • $35 for non-members

Ohio Public Librarian Certification Program (PDF, 8 pages)
This booklet requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to be opened. If you don’t have this program installed you can download it free.

Certified Public Librarian Application Form (PDF, 1 page)

Record of Professional Development Form (PDF, 2 pages)


Ohio Public Library Staff Certification

The Ohio Public Library Staff Certification is a new program sponsored by the Ohio Library Council. This certification provides recognition to non-MLIS library staff members for their commitment to continuing education, the library profession, and the Ohio library community.

The minimum standards for initial Ohio Public Library Staff Certification are:

  • a high school diploma, or equivalency;
  • two years of experience working in a library*; and
  • ten credit hours of approved continuing education experience within the past two years.

*Please note: A formal job description should be submitted with your Ohio Public Library Staff Certification application.

Renewal of the certification requires:

  • 50 continuing education contact hours*
    *Contact hours must be earned during the five-year period immediately preceding renewal of the certificate.

The cost of certification is:

  • Initial Certification
    • $15 for OLC individual members
    • $30 for non-members
  • Recertification
    • $15 for OLC individual members
    • $25 for non-members

Ohio Public Library Staff Certification Program (PDF, 8 pages)
This booklet requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to be opened. If you don’t have this program installed you can download it free.

Certified Public Library Staff Application Form (PDF, 1 page)

Record of Professional Development Form (PDF, 2 page)


To apply or renew:
Send completed application, payment and evidence of educational achievement and professional experience (initial) or Record of Professional Development Activities (renewal) to:

Ohio Library Council
495 Metro Place South, Suite 350
Dublin, OH 43017
EMAIL: olc@olc.org
FAX: 614-410-8098

For questions or more information, contact OLC at olc@olc.org or (614) 410-8092.