91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - The (91´«Ã½-APA) announced today that it invites colleges that offer Library Technical Assistant (LTA) degrees or certificates to participate in a project that may allow their graduates to receive (LSSC) without having to further demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

91´«Ã½-APA believes that LTA degrees or certificates from colleges coupled with the LSSC will benefit graduates, the library in which they work and library users. Lorelle Swader, director of 91´«Ã½-APA, said, “LTA graduates will be recognized for their acquired skills and knowledge with this national certification, which is becoming a standard for our profession. The LSSC will show employers of these graduates that they are serious about their work and their future.”

Over the next year, the 91´«Ã½-APA will review participating college curriculums to find if graduates must complete courses that cover the majority of LSSC’s competency requirements. If 91´«Ã½-APA and the college sign an agreement, then 91´«Ã½-APA will offer 10 college graduate reductions in the enrollment fee and assistance with promoting the LSSC Program.

Colleges with such agreements include the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Ill. ; Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis; Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. ; Illinois Central College, in East Peoria, Ill.; and Waubonsee Community College in Aurora, Ill.

Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the 91´«Ã½ established the LSSC Program and supports 91´«Ã½-APA’s work with LTA programs.

For more information, please sign up to attend the LSSC’s informational webinar being held at 3 p.m. EDT, noon PDT on Wednesday, Sept. 14; viewers will have an opportunity to learn more about the project as well ask any questions you may have. You can . To find out more about this degree, recognition agreements, or about the LSSC Program, please contact Karen Strege, LSSC co-director, at kstrege@msn.com.