Public Library Administration

Overview

The Public Library Administration Certificate from the Long Island University (LIU) 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

Career Opportunities:

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.

Accreditation

The Palmer School’s M.S. in Library and Information Science is one of only 62 programs accredited by the American Library Association in the United States and Canada. Graduating from an ALA-accredited program enhances career mobility by opening doors to the broadest range of job opportunities.