Endorsement
The State Library sponsors an endorsement program for the Iowa library community. We currently award endorsements for Director, Staff, Youth Services , and Trauma-Informed Library Practices. The program is intended to:
- Improve library service in Iowa by developing the skills of public library directors and staff
- Provide recognition for public librarians
- Enhance the public image of librarians and libraries
- Provide guidelines that public library boards may use in developing staff hiring policies
Application for Endorsement & Renewal
Use this form to apply for a new endorsement, request changes to a current endorsement, or renew your endorsement.
To renew your endorsement:
- Directors: earn 45 Hours of CE in a three-year period
- All other endorsements: earn 30 hours of CE in a three-year period
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the Endorsement Program? Review the FAQ to see if they're answered there. Otherwise, contact the CE Consultant.
Staff Contact
Endorsement Program Tracks
Our Endorsement coursework is modular and builds upon itself. All endorsements start with 4 core courses, each made up of several modules. The various endorsements all have slightly different add-ons to that core. Keep scrolling to see the required courses and their modules for Directors, Staff, Youth Services, and Trauma-Informed Library Practices
Core Courses
1. Library Foundations
- Principles of a Noble Profession
- City-Library Team & Support Organizations
- Library as Place
- Principles of Intellectual Freedom
- Discussion Section
2. Intro to Public Services
- Knowing Your Community
- Providing Library Services
- Customer Service
- Library Programming
- Telling the Library Story
- Discussion Section
3. We’re All Tech Librarians
- Digital Literacy
- Technology in the Library
- Discussion Section
4. Library Law
- Overview of Library Law
- Open Meetings, Open Records
- Serving Families
- Common Q&A
- Discussion Section
Director Courses
1. Policy Development
- Library Policies: An Overview
- Policy: Philosophy & Regulations
- Policy: Procedures & Guidelines
- Legal Issues & Other Considerations
2. Collection Management
- Building Your Collection
- Maintaining Your Collection
- Cataloging, Access, & Classification
- Ready to Weed
3. Budget & Finance
- Free Libraries Aren’t Free
- Budgets & the Law
- Budget Processes
- Budget Presentations
4. HR & Volunteer Management
- Library HR & the Law
- Job Descriptions
- Successful Hiring
- Performance Evaluations
- Disciplining & Firing
Youth Services Course
Library Services for Youth
- Serving Ages 0-6
- Serving Ages 7-12
- Services for Ages 12-18
- Outreach
- Collection Development
- Programming
Trauma-Informed Library Practices
For Staff
- The Changing Needs of Patrons
- Trauma-Informed Librarianship
- Boundaries
- Working with Patrons in Crisis
- Self-Care and Community Care
For Administrators
- The Changing Needs of Patrons
- Trauma-Informed Librarianship & Leadership
- Supporting Staff with Boundaries
- Working with Patrons in Crisis
- Reducing Staff Stress & Trauma
- Developing Effective Collaborations
- Persuading the "Powers-That-Be"