Find a career in Library Technology
The Public Library Technology (PLT) program is aimed at current and prospective library workers, especially in rural areas. The entire
content of the program is delivered through the Internet using WebCT, a highly regarded
course management program, and is the only one of its type in our region that is totally distance-education based. Students can work in
their homes on their own schedule and not spend time and money traveling to campus or a central site. Many public libraries in WV are
staffed by individuals without a professional library degree and, in some cases, no post-secondary education. This program was created to
provide these workers with college credits, additional training, and practical skills so they may be able to provide the kind of service
their communities need.
Program Origins
This program originated as a collaborative effort among three institutions:
- Marshall Community & Technical College
- Marshall University Libraries
- The West Virginia Library Commission
These three worked together initially to set up a local program for paraprofessionals. The certificate program is the first online
library-training program in the region. It is also among the first programs being offered completely online at the Marshall Community &
Technical College. This MCTC program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools (NCA).
Why become a Public Library Technology Specialist?
The information explosion of the last decade has revealed that a career in library science is an attractive alternative to other employment possibilities for bright individuals from
all kinds of fields. Not only is it an intellectually stimulating career choice, but it is also a rewarding job option for talented men and women of any age. In addition to being a
helping profession, librarians and library workers also teach and participate in the learning process in a school, college, special, or community library. There are many types of
librarians and library para-professionals that require different types of preparation and levels of training.
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Public Library Technology Certificate Program Descriptions
The PLT Certificate is a 33-hour program delivered 100% online requiring no on-site or classroom meetings. This certificate does not enable the student to become a professional librarian
but may provide needed one-the-job training and/or the credits to propel a student into the Associate Degree of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or MU Regents Bachelor of Arts (R.B.A.) degree
program. Obtaining certification and degree status may make library employees eligible for promotions and salary increases within their libraries. Through the WV Library Commission,
public library personnel can also use the courses for in-service education.
There are 18 hours in the library science portion of the certificate program. Each library course is 3 credit hours and offered during the rotation provided below. Students must take the
PLT and general studies courses listed on this MCTC certificate course form. This is not a cohort. Students can enter the program at any time and take these courses that do not require
prerequisites in any sequence.
There are 15 hours in the general studies portion of the program. Each course is 3 credit hours. These courses are offered every semester and can be taken during any term. Students who live
near the MCTC or another community college can also sign up for the classroom version if s/he wishes to attend a regular class.
 View Program Description
View Course Sheet
Public Library Technology Associate in Applied Science Program Descriptions
The Marshall Community and Technical College also offers a major in Public Library Technology for the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Students must complete a minimum of 66
hours of which 36 must be from the PLT courses offered below. 30 hours must be completed in General Studies. Each PLT course is 3 credit hours and can be taken concurrently with general
studies requirements. Some PLT courses do have pre-requisites so be sure to take them in sequence and/or obtain instructor permission prior to registration if you need to take them out of
sequence.
We encourage our students to consider the Associate Degree option so they can be poised to enter the School of Extended Education's Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) program to
complete their four-year degree at Marshall University. The RBA is also online and can assist a student in getting into a graduate program in library science or obtain employment.
View Program Description and Guide
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Associates
