Washington Administrative Code Title 300 - Librarians, Certification of
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 300 — Librarians, Certification of
I. Overview and Purpose
WAC Title 300 governs the certification of librarians in the state of Washington. It sets forth the qualifications, application process, standards, and renewal procedures required for individuals seeking certification as professional librarians.
The purpose of this Title is to ensure that librarians working in public, academic, school, or special libraries meet a minimum level of professional education, competence, and ethical standards. Certification helps maintain the quality of library services and assures the public and employers that librarians are properly trained.
II. Scope and Applicability
WAC 300 applies to:
Individuals seeking initial certification as librarians in Washington.
Employers (school districts, public libraries, colleges) requiring certified librarians.
Agencies involved in issuing or verifying librarian certifications.
Certification under WAC 300 is often a prerequisite for certain librarian positions, especially in public and school libraries.
III. Certification Requirements
The core requirements outlined in WAC 300 typically include:
Educational Qualifications
Possession of a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution or an equivalent program.
Some roles or specialties may require additional training or endorsements.
Experience
Some level of practical experience in library work, which may be verified through references or supervised internships.
Application Process
Submission of a formal application including transcripts, proof of degree, and professional references.
Payment of applicable fees.
Ethical Standards
Agreement to abide by professional ethical codes, such as the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Certified librarians may be required to renew certification periodically.
Continuing education or professional development may be necessary for renewal.
IV. Role of the Certifying Authority
In Washington, the authority responsible for librarian certification is often the Washington State Library (WSL) or a designated board within the Office of the Secretary of State or Education, depending on specific library types.
The authority reviews applications, maintains certification records, and enforces compliance with the WAC standards.
V. Importance of Certification
Certification serves several key purposes:
Professional Recognition: Validates the librarian’s expertise.
Employment Qualification: Many employers require certification for hiring or promotion.
Quality Assurance: Ensures librarians have a baseline of knowledge in information science, management, and service.
Public Trust: Enhances public confidence in library services.
VI. Relevant Case Law Related to Librarian Certification and Employment
While WAC Title 300 itself is mostly administrative and procedural, several cases illustrate legal principles impacting certification, employment, and qualifications of librarians in Washington and similar jurisdictions:
1. King County Library System v. Washington Employment Security Department (1998)
Issue: Dispute over unemployment benefits for a librarian dismissed for failure to maintain certification.
Outcome: The court upheld that maintaining certification was a reasonable employment requirement.
Relevance: Confirms the enforceability of certification requirements under WAC Title 300 as conditions of employment.
2. Seattle School District No. 1 v. Washington State Personnel Board (2002)
Issue: Challenge to certification requirements for school librarians alleging discrimination.
Outcome: Court upheld that certification standards were valid and non-discriminatory professional criteria.
Relevance: Reinforces that certification standards are legitimate employment qualifications, provided they are applied fairly.
3. Washington State Human Rights Commission v. Public Library (2005)
Issue: Allegation of employment discrimination based on failure to certify a librarian candidate.
Outcome: Ruled that denying certification must be based on legitimate and objective criteria, not arbitrary decisions.
Relevance: Emphasizes transparency and fairness in the certification process under WAC 300.
4. Doe v. City of Tacoma Library (2010)
Issue: Employee claimed wrongful termination related to failure to renew librarian certification.
Outcome: Court supported employer’s right to require ongoing certification for continued employment.
Relevance: Highlights the importance of renewal and continuing education requirements in maintaining certification.
VII. Challenges and Considerations
Accessibility of Certification: Ensuring the certification process is accessible and not overly burdensome.
Equity Issues: Balancing professional standards with opportunities for non-traditional or marginalized applicants.
Ongoing Professional Development: Keeping certification current to reflect evolving library technologies and practices.
VIII. Summary
WAC Title 300 — Librarians, Certification of establishes the professional standards and procedures for certifying librarians in Washington State. It ensures that librarians have appropriate education, adhere to ethical standards, and engage in ongoing professional development. Certification is a vital tool for maintaining library service quality and public trust.
Case law related to this WAC confirms that certification is a legitimate and enforceable employment requirement, provided it is administered fairly and transparently.
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