In conversations with multi-types of libraries in both Indiana and Michigan, participants stated that “soft skills” were the most needed skills for staff in the 21st century library. In response, MCLS has created a new Certificate of Library Staff Development in Basic Soft Skills. The certificate program includes five live, online courses delivered by MCLS trainers on topics such as accountability, business etiquette, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and productive work habits. These introductory-level workshops are all one-hour in length, and can be taken as stand-alone courses, or you can complete all five to earn a certificate. And the best part? All of the online soft skills courses are free to MCLS member libraries! The non-member rate for these courses is $119 each.
The MCLS Basic Soft Skills Certification Program provides you or your staff with an opportunity to:
- Develop and demonstrate basic competence in in-demand skills for the workplace of the 21st century library
- Become a more well-rounded employee by improving skills that complement library technical skills
- Improve chances for career success
To earn the Basic Soft Skills Certificate, staff must complete five MCLS workshops or special programs from the Soft Skills category (see list below). Workshops or special programs must be taken within a three-year period.
After successfully completing the requirements for the certificate, fill out the MCLS Certificate of Library Development in Soft Skills Application Form and send it to the training department via email, mail, or fax.
Current MCLS soft skills workshops:
- Introduction to Productive Work Habits, Jul 13, 10-11am Eastern (9-10am Central)
- Introduction to Emotional Intelligence, Aug 16, 10-11am Eastern (9-10am Central)
- Introduction to Accountability at Work, Sep 21, 10-11am Eastern (9-10am Central)
- Introduction to Critical Thinking Skills, Oct 4, 11am-12pm Eastern (10-11am Central)
- Introduction to Workplace Etiquette, Nov 2, 11am-12pm Eastern (10-11am Central)
You can see the courses as part of this semester’s training workshop offerings in our MCLS Store, or read more about the Certificate here. Please contact the training department at training@mcls.org if you have questions about the soft skills courses or certification.
