Accreditation Program
for Libraries

To qualify for accreditation, library boards must complete 15, 30, or 45 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) within the three years prior to applying, depending on the accreditation level. CECHs must come from training focused on library board responsibilities.

General Guidelines

• CECHs are a shared board requirement; no single member may fulfill all hours.
• For Enhanced and Exemplary levels, limits apply to the number of online CECHs allowed.
• Each library must maintain accurate records of CE participation.
• See Standards #10, #39, and #64 for details by accreditation level.

Continuing Education Resources

• Continuing Education Opportunities: Find SDSL trainings, workshops, and webinars.
• Contact Hours Approval Form: Required for non-SDSL training; submit at least 48 hours in advance.
• CE Hours Tracking: Use the Excel CE Record Form to track and submit CECHs.

Relevant Topics for Trustee Training
Credit is given for training that strengthens effective library governance, including:

• Library governance, policy development, and trustee roles
• Strategic planning and long-term goal setting
• Budgeting, financial oversight, and fundraising basics
• Advocacy and community engagement
• Ethics, intellectual freedom, and handling challenges
• Legal issues affecting libraries (open meetings, records, patron privacy, ADA)
• Board leadership, director-board relations, and team building
• Technology and digital literacy topics
• Creating welcoming and fair library environments
• Crisis management and emergency preparedness

Additional Guidelines

• Credit may be earned through live or recorded webinars, in-person trainings, and conference sessions sponsored by library organizations (SDSL, SDLA, MPLA, ARSL, ALA, etc.).
• Training from non-library organizations must be approved in advance using the Contact Hours Approval Form.
• Activities must be organized training events; individual reading does not qualify.
• Library-hosted public programs do not count unless aligned with relevant trustee topics.
• CECHs earned by the library director may not be included.

Contact Shawn Behrends with any question about the Accreditation Program for Libraries.