(HELENA) —The Montana State Library is pleased to announce that 109 librarians and trustees from across Montana earned certification through the Montana State Library (MSL) certification program. The goal of MSL’s certification program is to ensure that Montana’s library patrons receive the best possible library service from well-trained library staff who are committed to offering 21^st century library services.

MSL issued 19 trustee, 46 library administration, and 43 library staff certificates. Certification recipients include public library staff as well as state agency, university, and tribal college library directors. Their individual efforts total more than 5,500 hours of learning over the past 4 years.

“Montana’s libraries provide excellent educational programming and services to Montanans due, in large part, to the ongoing commitment of library directors, trustees, and staff to continuing education.  These professionals understand that their investment in professional development means that their communities benefit from continually improving library services,” said Jennie Stapp, Montana State Librarian. “The State Library’s certification program ensures that Montana librarians have up-to-date credentials, much like our colleagues in K-12 education. There’s always something to learn at your library and your librarians bring something new from every training and workshop they attend. We congratulate all of the 2025 MSL certification awardees for their hard work and dedication to Montana libraries.”

The Montana State Library actively promotes professional development for trustees and library staff through its Continuing Education and Certification Program. This effort includes providing information and resources to connect local library trustees and staff with the continuing education they need to be successful in providing excellent library services in their communities. Certification is one way to demonstrate expertise and commitment to improving library services across the state.

Conrad Public Library Director Tiffany Chrisensen says, “the MSL certification program has been the perfect opportunity to stay current with training to better serve our patrons in a constantly evolving field while also investing in our staff members through their own professional development.”

To receive the Library Certification, participants earn 60 or more valid continuing education credits in a four-year period. Certification expires in four years, so librarians must continue to seek professional development to maintain their certification. Public library trustees earn 15 continuing education credits in a four-year period to achieve certification.

“As a Trustee, I learned so much about the services and management of our local, regional and State libraries through the certification process. We are better prepared to move forward to engage our community in the offerings of our Library. “Julie Bushmaker, Board Chair, Butte-Silver Bow Public Library

The Montana State Library provides information, resources, and guidance to organizations, communities, and residents of Montana to help them expand their knowledge and empower their decisions. Our leading-edge data and applications help those seeking answers about Montana’s government, natural resources, heritage, land ownership, and more while our vital services improve public libraries and provide reading materials to those with disabilities.

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