About Us

The New Hampshire Paralibrarian Certification program was formed in June 2014 and became an official section of the New Hampshire Library Association in November 2014.

The Paralibrarian Certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize the involvement and contributions of Paralibrarians in New Hampshire. Paralibrarians (non-MLS staff) support the missions of school, public, academic, and special libraries throughout the state by providing essential services, being involved in professional development activities, and demonstrating commitment to their work. The certification is not a substitute for a Master of Library Science degree or any other degree or certificate.

General FAQ

What's a Paralibrarian anyway?
We're non-MLS staff working in libraries! That's it - not very complicated, is it?

How do I join the section?
When you renew or sign up for your NHLA membership you can request to become a Paralibrarian section member. There is an additional cost (currently $5) to join the section, which helps us pay for the classes and services we provide our members.

Does this section do anything other than the certification?
Yes! We network, hold classes, have a mini-conference, and more! Check NHLA's calendar for upcoming events. Paralibrarian section members get early access to sign up for our classes, and all NHLA members can access our lists of helpful resources.

What good is the certification?
Pursuit of this certification gives scope and structure to professional development activites. It encourages networking and brings new ideas and procedures to your library. Certified staff are more valuable with more skills and greater understanding of library functions. And, as professional stagnation is a significant cause of staff turnover, it helps staff grow where they are.

I have more questions, who do I ask?
Send us an email with any questions you might have! We're always happy to help.

Certificate Holders

There's nothing we're more proud of than our certified paralibrarians. We want to celebrate your achievements every step of the way! These are our current certificate holders at the highest level they've achieved: