Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: During this quarter we have worked diligently to improve our ability to communicate electronically with the various groups with whom we interact. These communications include this quarterly newsletter and other general correspondence with license applicants and constituents. This initiative involved us gathering and updating email addresses. Please visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb and make sure that we have the correct email address for you! As a state agency it is of the utmost importance for us to operate with fiscal responsibility. Using email considerably reduces our mailing costs and allows us to communicate with you much faster. In the next few issues of our newsletter we will be sharing other electronic initiatives that are saving time and money and helping us to serve you with excellence. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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The Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians consists of six members: one public librarian, one special librarian, one other currently practicing librarian, one person who shall be a trustee of a public library, the director of the public library services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets quarterly. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. The Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians was created by legislation enacted in 1937. O.C.G.A. § 43-24-4 states: “Any public library serving a political subdivision or subdivisions having a population of over 5,000…, including libraries of institutions of higher learning, shall not employ in the position of librarian a person who does not hold a librarian’s certificate issued by the board. No public funds shall be paid to any library failing to comply with this chapter; provided that noting in this chapter shall apply to law libraries of counties and municipalities, to libraries of public elementary and high schools, or to libraries of the University system of Georgia.” The Board has determined, by rule, the educational requirements for the various grades of certificates for librarians. Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/librarians. |
Board Members: Dr. George Gaumond, Chairman |
Board Staff: Lisa Durden |
Number of Active Licensees: Librarian: 1,003 |
2009 Meetings: The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians September: The Board voted to ratify 27 certifications and four reinstatements. The Board voted to approve the following meeting dates:
The Board voted to deny one application for licensure:
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Certification Renewals: How do I renew my certification? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your certification via the website is the fastest way to renew your certification. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the certificate holder by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Certificate holders may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Librarians Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that certificate holders review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/librarians. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Board for the Certification of Librarians website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians website. |
Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians Complaints Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians to regulate the certification and practice of librarians. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-24 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |