Continuing Education

The mission of the Library of Virginia’s Continuing Education Program is to enhance library staff’s capabilities in all phases of library service through a comprehensive training program.

The Library of Virginia sponsors a variety of training opportunities each year to help those responsible for library service to develop their skills and learn new approaches. Workshops and conferences cover such topics as library services to special populations, cataloging databases reference services, children and youth services, library trustees and friends of the Library. An annual public library director’s training is offered in the fall.

Getting Up to Speed with Generative AI Series  |  Professional Certificate  |  MLS Programs

Getting Up to Speed with Generative AI Series

The landscape around artificial intelligence seems to be changing daily, and libraries are increasingly seeing questions like:

1. What is AI?
2. How does it work?
3. What can one do with it?
4. How to use it ethically?
5. And is it going to take over our world?

To address at least the first four questions, we have put together a series of programs that will offer attendees an introduction to generative AI, look at ethical questions around using AI, examine how to use AI safely, and explore some potential programing opportunities using AI.

Find program dates, descriptions, and registration information.

Access recent training in Niche Academy

• • Resources for Answering Difficult Patron Questions Pathway
  • Get the Most Out of LVA 2023
  • Marketing Find It VA Resources pathway
  • Find It Virginia Certificate for Public Library Staff

Librarian’s Professional Certificate

Public libraries serving a political subdivision or subdivisions having a population greater than 15,000 and libraries operated by the Commonwealth or under its authority, shall not employ, in the position of librarian or in any other full-time professional librarian position, a person who does not meet the qualifications established by the State Library Board.

To obtain a Librarian Professional Certificate for the Commonwealth of Virginia visit: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/lib-edu/certification.asp

Master in Library Science Programs

Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Virginia: Master of Library and Information Studies Program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2028. Learn more here.

At this time the only program to offer local classes in library science is the Catholic University of America.  However, there is a range of online programs available for those interested in pursuing a master’s in library and information science.

Virginia participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) program, which is an arrangement among Southern states allowing students to pay reduced tuition rates at a non-Virginia college or university while studying in select programs not available at Virginia public institutions.  An application for participation and further information about the program is available on their Web site.

The following colleges and universities offer distance education programs for a library science degree.

• Competency Catalog
• CE Youth Services
• CE General
• Library Director Development (password protected)