State Certification Initiative Helps Librarians Build Skills

Jonesport Librarian First to Complete Program

Heidi Hinkley from the Peabody Memorial Library and Jonesport is the first librarian to be certified under the program. Peabody Memorial Library serves the communities of Jonesport, Beals, and Addison.

Augusta- In an effort to provide professional development opportunities for Maine librarians and improve the value of library services in Maine communities, the Maine State Library recently launched a voluntary certification program for librarians. The certification is a three-tiered credential that demonstrates a set of core competencies related to professional library service.

Heidi Hinkley, library director at the Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport, is the first librarian in the state to complete all three levels of the certification. Beth Edmonds, chair of the Maine Library Commission, presented her with her certificates at the board?s stated meeting this week.

Hinkley, a lifelong resident of Jonesport, has been the library director at the Peabody Memorial Library since February 17, 2008. Prior to becoming a librarian, Heidi worked as a certified activities director, a secretary, elderly home care provider, owned her own business, and also as an assistant clerk at the Jonesport Town Office.

?I wanted to take the Certification because I have no formal training in Library Science and felt that any and all courses and training would be very beneficial to me,? she said. ?I absolutely love to help people and plan events to make the library grow, and I hope to continue being the Librarian at Peabody Memorial Library until the day I retire!?

The certification program is voluntary and open to any library personnel in Maine. The curriculum was developed by Maine State Library District Consultants and includes 190 online courses, archived webinars, workshops and special institutes. The Maine State Library subscribes to online course content on behalf of Maine librarians and access to the archived webinars is free.

?This is also a way for us to recognize those in the library community who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth,? said State Librarian, Linda Lord. ?When librarians invest in upgrading their own skills, they become an even greater resource to the patrons they serve in their communities.?

For more information on the Voluntary Public Librarian Certification Program, visit the Maine State Library website.

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