The Kentucky Public Library Trustee Certification Program provides public library trustees with the tools they need to fulfill the legal responsibilities to their library and community.
Initial Certification
To apply for Initial Certification, trustees must complete the five courses listed below, complete orientations with the director and Regional Consultant, and submit an application and the $20 certification fee.
For suggestions on what could be covered during a director orientation, see our Example Checklist. The first two orientation videos, Library Trustee and Director Roles and Conducting a Library Board Meeting, may be substituted for the Regional Consultant's orientation.
Initial Certification is valid for four years.
Initial Certification Courses:
- Library Trustee and Director Roles [Regional Consultant orientation substitution]
- Conducting a Library Board Meeting [Regional Consultant orientation substitution]
- Governance of Kentucky Public Libraries
- Strategic Planning and Library Advocacy
- Fiscal Responsibility
Trustees may choose to complete the courses through our Online Learning Portal or on our YouTube page. Click the links below to review the full process for each option.
- KDLA's Online Learning Portal provides an interactive experience, omits the process of submitting Learning Activity Reports (LARs), and provides access to our entire course catalog.
- Our YouTube page allows direct access to each course and requires LARs to be submitted.
Temporary Certification
To apply for Temporary Certification, trustees must complete orientations with the director and Regional Consultant then submit an application and the $20 certification fee.
For suggestions on what could be covered during a director orientation, see our Example Checklist. The two courses listed below may be substituted for the Regional Consultant's orientation (see above for instructions on completing the courses).
Temporary Certification is valid for two years.
Orientation Courses for Temporary Certification:
- Library Trustee and Director Roles
- Conducting a Library Board Meeting
Trustee Certification Renewal
To renew certification, trustees must complete eight hours of training during the initial certification period and complete a Learning Activity Report (LAR) for each training activity. Mail in the LARs and Renewal Application for Kentucky Public Library Trustee Certification, along with the required $20.00 fee. Renewed certification is valid for four years.
Possible sources for trustee training webinars:
- Live and archived webinars can be found here.
- Our CE Calendar lists live webinars and other online trainings.
Trustee Certification Forms
If you have other questions regarding the trustee certification program, contact Alicia McGrath by email at alicia.mcgrath@ky.govor by phone at (502) 564-1727.