Basic Library Techniques (BLT)
Basic Library Techniques (BLT) are a group of four (4) special training courses designed for public library directors who do not have a master of library science degree. The intent of the BLT program is to provide practical training in:
- Library administration
- Reference
- Cataloging
- Materials selection.
Each of these four subject areas requires 9 to 12 hours of course work. When the sequence of course work has been satisfactorily completed for the subject area, two copies of a certificate of completion are awarded by regional staff to the participant. One copy is the participant's record, and the other copy is to be sent to the MBLC as proof of completion. When all four courses are completed and documented with proof in the MBLC library director's personnel file, then the BLT requirement is satisfied. A certificate of final completion of the BLT requirement is sent to the library director.
The BLT requirement applies only to municipalities with a population under 10,000, and within that group, only to library directors who do not have a master of library science degree. The BLT requirement does not apply to library directors whose education has been grandfathered, nor does it apply to acting library directors. The BLT requirement does not apply to library personnel other than the library director; however, any library staff member may (space permitting) sign up for and complete the BLT courses. It is also worth noting that the BLT requirement applies to the library director and not to the municipality, meaning that each time a municipality appoints a new permanent library director, that person must complete or have completed the BLT requirement.
In order to be certified for State Aid to Public Libraries, a library director whose municipal and educational conditions fall into the category described above, is required to complete the BLT special training courses within five (5) years of the date of appointment as permanent library director. If the library director fails to complete these special training courses, then the municipality may be denied certification for State Aid to Public Libraries.
BLT courses are facilitated and taught by staff from the regional library system. A schedule of upcoming BLT courses is maintained by the regional staff, and is advertised in regional newsletters.