Advanced Certificate in Public Library Administration

The challenges faced by today’s public library administrators require a solid foundation of training and experience. The Palmer School’s post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Library Administration is designed to develop and enhance the management skills and credentials of professional librarians working within the public library sector, and to train the leaders of tomorrow.

The program offers students interested in public library administration a comprehensive education based on practical experience in the critical aspects of managing a public library.

The Public Library Administrator's Certificate program consists of five courses that carry graduate academic credit and culminate in an Advanced Certificate in Public Library Administration, recognized by the New York State Education Department. The program is designed to:

• Provide a solid management education program for public library administrators
• Update librarians on new management principles and organizational structures
• Integrate these concepts and illustrate their practical application within the public library setting
• Explore current issues and trends in public library management and improve leadership skills within the workplace
• Provide a forum where important management issues germane to public librarians can be discussed in light of the theoretical constructs covered within this program

The growing complexity of public institutions has forced governing boards to become far more selective in choosing their administrators. A working understanding of the law, human resources, finance, and facilities is now a fundamental requirement for public library administrators as directors or middle managers. The certificate program of the Palmer School covers all content areas required in the New York State Public Library Director civil service examination series. The program has been recognized by the New York State Education Department as a formally approved N.Y.S. Certificate of Advanced Studies.

The Advanced Certificate in Public Library Administration encompasses five required courses. The same level of effort is required, however, only three-credit courses are eligible for transfer to other graduate-level programs:

• LIS 700 - Principles of Public Library Organization and Management
• LIS 701 - Legal Issues in Public Library Administration
• LIS 702 - Human Resources Administration in the Public Library
• LIS 703 - Financial Management of Public Libraries
• LIS 704 - Administration of Public Library Facilities and Technology

Entrance to the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Library Administration is limited to working professionals who either hold, or aspire to hold, executive management positions in public libraries. All applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree (the Master of Science in Library and Information Science – M.S.L.I.S.) and a minimum of two years experience in public libraries. The Public Library Administrator’s Certificate is designed as a post-M.S.L.I.S “cohort” program, where students register with the intent to complete all five courses as a group (LIS 700-704). The program is coordinated with regional public library systems acting as partners with the Palmer School to assure a focused and meaningful educational experience for the participants. For more information on admission to the program, contact us at 516-299-4110 or email palmer@liu.edu.

The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Library Administration is offered at public library systems throughout the state of New York. Sites have included Queens Library, Westchester Library System, Mid-Hudson Library System, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Nassau Library System, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, and Monroe County and Pioneer Library Systems.