Links and resources

For Library Directors – Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI): includes instructions and forms for new certification, temporary certification, and certification renewal.

For library directors needing to complete course work for Temporary Certification:

• The four core courses required are:
  • Basic Public Library Administration
  • Advanced Public Library Administration
  • Organization and Management of Collections
  • Public and Community Services
• Both the iSchool at UW-Madison and Chippewa Valley Technical College offer these courses

back to top

Best practices for Renewing Regular Certification

• Please send completed Annual Summation Forms and Activity Reports yearly if possible.  Send to Leah by email: langby@ifls.lib.wi.us.
  • Annual Summation Forms and Activity Reports are available on the DPI site.
    • Please complete the forms in Word instead of printing and filling out by hand.  If they are emailed from your email account, you do not need to sign and can just send as an attachment.
    • Each Activity Report needs 2-3 sentences in the “Relationship of Program to Present Position or Career Advancement” section
      • This should include one or two specific things the resonated with you about the continuing education offering, and a small reflection of how you might use the information.
      • One example of this section filled out adequately:  “The most valuable tool I learned was the power of an authentic conversation for advocacy, which is something I can do!  For me, the idea of advocacy seems less intimidating when you think of it as a meaningful conversation.  The concepts and ideas will help me be a more effective storyteller.”
      • An example that is not adequate:  “This is useful to me because I am a library director.”
  • Leah will check these over and send back the signed Annual Summation Forms (via email).
• Then, when your certification is due, send all the completed, signed Annual Summation Forms (NOT the Activity Reports) and your certification form to LibraryCertification@dpi.wi.gov for processing.
  • Note that as of January 1, 2023 there is no longer a charge for any certification and DPI is no longer accepting paper applications for certification/renewal.  All must be done electronically, with an email to LibraryCertification@dpi.wi.gov.
  • Please submit your documents as follows:
    • One pdf for the application
    • One pdf for all of the Annual Summations
    • One pdf for transcripts or other proof of courses (as needed)

back to top