The Paralibrarian Program is here to support YOU! While not a substitution for an MLS, the Paralibrarian Certification is designed to enhance the education of library staff on their time, at their pace, and with full support of our Paralibrarian Team. 

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 important services, being involved in professional development activities, and demonstrating commitment to their work.

Forms and Tools

The Application

You can download the combined Guidelines and Forms (.pdf) or separately download the Guidelines (.pdf) and Forms (.docx). You'll only need to submit the filled out Forms section as your application. Duplicate the forms as needed; no one expects you to use only one copy of Form D, for example! 

Tools

We know some parts of the application are difficult, so we've developed some tools to help you out: A points distribution spreadsheet (.xlsx) to help track and calculate points as you accrue them. It can be hard to keep track of everything in progress! We're also developing a Work Experience calculator (in progress) for figuring out credit for hours worked in a library.

For Your Reference

We're providing these downloads so you can refer to them if needed; they're not exactly tools, but they're helpful nonetheless. Here's a sample application (.pdf) (for the old style of application; it will look a little different but the content is essentially the same). This is a real, filled-out application that was approved for Level 1 certification and should help give an idea of the expectations when filling out your own. Please use the latest forms and guidelines for your application; there have been updates and changes since the sample application was processed. We also keep a list of past Paralibrarian classes (.pdf) in case you need to refer to it for class descriptions.Applications should include all forms, points summaries, and certificates. They do not need to include the instructions/guidance document. Double-check that you have all necessary signatures. Compile it all into one document (.pdf or .doc) and email it to the Review Chair. You'll also print Form A and mail it to the Chair with your application fee: $20 for NHLA members and $50 for non-members. (If you're applying for a new level within 3 years of your last, there's no fee and you don't need to mail Form A.) Checks should be made out to NHLA-Paralibrarians. We regretfully cannot accept card payments.

Submitting your application

Applications should include all forms, points summaries, and certificates. They do not need to include the instructions/guidance document. Double-check that you have all necessary signatures. Compile it all into one document (.pdf or .doc) and email it to the Review Chair. You'll also print Form A and mail it to the Chair with your application fee: $20 for NHLA members and $50 for non-members. (If you're applying for a new level within 3 years of your last, there's no fee and you don't need to mail Form A.) Checks should be made out to NHLA-Paralibrarians. We regretfully cannot accept card payments.

You'll receive an email confirming receipt of your application within 7 days. Your application will be reviewed by the committee, then either you'll be contacted about any issues or it will be presented at the following board meeting for certification. The board meets every two months, so be patient!

Certification FAQs

• I am not planning to pursue certification; can I still attend the classes?
• • Absolutely yes! We’d love to have you!
• I can't make my class, is there a cancellation policy?
• • If it's a class sponsored by our section, NHLA's cancellation policy applies. If your class is hosted by another organization they will have their own policy.
• Where can I find qualifying opportunities?
• • Head over to our Continuing Education page for a start, or have a look through your library's Professional Development section. Opportunities do NOT have to be NHLA-sponsored to count for your certification. If you feel an opportunity is relevant to library work and you can convince the review board in your writeup, it counts!
• How do I decide what Category of Service to assign to a webinar/conference session/etc.?
• • Use your best judgement. What did you get out of it? If it could be multiple categories, which did you focus on in your writeup? If you can make an argument for that category, it should be fine - and if you're still concerned, you can always ask a mentor! Worst case scenario, the review board will ask why you chose that category and you can explain. There's no punishment for "getting it wrong."
• I can't figure out how to calculate my hours, or how many points to ask for this event, or...
• • Please send an email to a mentor for any questions you have. We are genuinely happy to help! We've all been in your shoes.

Certificate Holders

We're so proud of our certified paralibrarians, we put them on our main page!