Development:
basic library techniques courses
DEVELOPMENT
"Your Library's library
brings my patrons
what
they want
when they want it.
It makes us
look good.
We shine even more."
Basic Library Techniques certification for directors
Basic Library Techniques (BLT) is a group of four training courses designed for public library directors in communities with a population of
less than 10,000 who do not have a Master of Library Science degree. The courses are a
requirement of the State Aid to Public Libraries program administered by the Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
The intent of the BLT program is to provide
practical training in Library Administration, Reference, Cataloging, and
Collection Management. The BLT requirement does not apply to library personnel other than the
director, but any CMRLS library staff member may attend the courses, space permitting.
Staff may register for BLT classes offered in any Massachusetts Regional Library System.
Basic Library Techniques
Certification
As members complete each Basic Library Techniques course they should do the following:
-
Directors who are required to take this course: Forward a copy of the certificate of completion for each Basic Library Techniques course to the MBLC so they can update their records. It's a good idea to retain copies of these certificates for your files. Once you have completed all four courses, fill out the Application for Basic Library Techniques Completion Certificate form and send it to the MBLC.
-
Other library staff:Hold on to your certificates. Once you accumulate all four, forward them to the MBLC with the appropriate form and they will forward your official certificate. It's a good idea to keep copies of your certificates for your files.
More information
Additional information
about the Basic Library Techniques program is available at
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/state_aid/certification/index.php
The Application for Basic Library
Techniques Completion Certificate form
is available at
http://www.mlin.lib.ma.us/mblc/sadac/pdf/blt_application.pdf
Additional certification forms can be
found at
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/state_aid/certification/index.php.
Regional BLT Workshop Schedule:
Administration* |
Cataloging* |
Collection Development* |
Reference* |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | CMRLS Spring |
SEMLS Fall |
WMRLS Fall |
NMRLS Spring |
| 2008 | NMRLS Spring |
WMRLS Fall |
SEMLS Fall |
CMRLS Spring |
| 2009 | SEMLS Fall |
CMRLS Spring |
NMRLS Spring |
WMRLS Fall |
| 2010 | WMRLS Fall |
NMRLS Spring |
CMRLS Spring |
SEMLS Fall |
| 2011 | CMRLS Spring |
SEMLS Fall |
WMRLS Fall |
NMRLS Spring |
| 2012 | NMRLS Spring |
WMRLS Fall |
SEMLS Fall |
CMRLS Spring |
*Please note that portions of the Administration, Cataloging, Reference and Collection Development courses may be offered in a distance learning format.
Contact information for each region:
Central Massachusetts Regional Library System (CMRLS) : 508.757.4110
Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System (MMRLS) : 781.398.1819
Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System (NMRLS) : 978.762.4433
Southeast Massachusetts Regional Library System (SEMLS) : 508.923.3531
Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (WMRLS) : 413.247.9306