CERTIFICATION . . . a process to recognize attainment of prescribed levels of education, training and experience.

CERTIFICATION BOARD . . . a minimum five-member board (two Oklahoma Library Association appointees, two Oklahoma Department of Libraries appointees and the Certification Specialist) appointed to support the work of the Certification Specialist. The Board will report annually to the executive boards of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Oklahoma Library Association on the current status of certification in Oklahoma.

CERTIFICATION SPECIALIST . . . ODL librarian who oversees the certification process. Working with the Certification Board, the Specialist will issue and renew certificates, implement the Institute in Public Librarianship and approve workshops for continuing education credit.

CEU . . . the National Task Force on the CEU (for Continuing Education Unit) defines it as the equivalent of ten contact hours (each contact hour equivalent to fifty minutes) of participation in an organized education activity under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction. Fractional CEUs are awarded if shorter programs meet criteria. CEUs or contact hours, by national definition, cannot be awarded for college credits or for programs which lead to high school equivalency.

CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE . . . documentation issued by continuing education providers and verifying attendance at a continuing education program. Confirmation will include the name and dates of the program, the number of CEUs awarded, and the name and signature of the provider. The Certification Specialist will provide a model confirmation to providers receiving prior approval of programs. It is the responsibility of the individual librarian to obtain and keep the confirmations to renew certification.

CONTINUING EDUCATION . . . a lifelong learning process which builds on and modifies previously acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes of the individual.

EDUCATIONAL . . . programs are considered "educational" if they are planned learning experiences designed to bring about changes in knowledge, skills, or attitudes which
contribute directly to the competent practice of librarianship. Continuing education credit may be obtained for educational programs by applying to the Certification Specialist.

INFORMATIONAL . . . programs are considered "informational" if they are

• business meetings
• reports
• informal/unstructured exchanges of information
• "how-to's" on filling out forms
• announcements/news releases
• tours
• orientation sessions

Continuing education credit is not given for these types of programs.

PROVIDER . . . the sponsor that plans and/or delivers a program. Decisions about "approved" providers will be made by the Certification Specialist at ODL with input from the Certification Board.

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