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  3. Bibliosuisse Certification Course: Basic Training for Public and School Libraries

Bibliosuisse Certification Course: Basic Training for Public and School Libraries

(replaces the Foundation Course for Public Libraries)

If you work in a public or a school library and want to learn the basics of librarianship, our compact training course will teach you the fundamentals of the profession with an emphasis on the personal approach, as well as on learning practical skills. Sharing experience within the group is a major element of the course. This certificate will equip you to play your part in the day-to-day running of a public or a school library.


Main areas covered

  • Basic Principles and Structures: the Public Library Sector in Switzerland, Organisational, Financial and Legal Aspects, Trends and Latest Thinking within the Profession, Quality Management
  • Collections Management: Building and Maintaining a Collection, Cataloguing,   Discovery and Retrieval of Resources, E-Media
  • Literacy Skills: Promoting Language and Reading, Incentivising Reading and Literacy, Intercultural Librarianship
  • Information and Media Literacy: Search Skills, Teaching Media Literacy, Digital Literacy, The Teaching Library, Event Management
  • Marketing and Communication: Target Group Analysis, Strategies, Online Marketing, Advertising, Customer Communication, Advisory Services and Complaints Management
  • A range of interesting trips enhances the course

Admission Requirements

  • 20% position in a public City, Local or School Library
  • Successful completion of vocational training (EFZ) or Middle-School leaving Certificate (Secondary Level II)
  • Supervision and mentoring by a qualified professional with several years proven experience, who has completed, as a minimal requirement, the Foundation Course for Public Libraries
  • Possibility for work placement in all areas of the library during the course
  • Good written and verbal skills
  • Working understanding of administration, knowledge of Office Applications and Internet competence
  • Good general educational level and interest in current affairs

Course Duration and Schedule

  • 120-140 Sessions (of 45 minutes each), including trips but not including personal study time for preparation and follow-up and not including certification exams
  • The course lessons will take place on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-12:00
  • Various activities including four outings are planned for certain afternoons on the set course days (Mondays or Thursdays)
  • The students will receive the detailed timetable at least a month before the commencement of the course 
  • The  Bibliosuisse Certification Course will be available annually in the canton of Zürich

Course Fees

  • CHF 800 for participants from the canton of Zurich
  • CHF 1,200 for participants from other cantons

Recommendation to the local authorities: please make an appropriate contribution to the course fees.

Course Details and Application Process

The Certification Course follows Bibliosuisse guidelines.

If the number of applicants exceeds the places available, preference will be shown to applicants from the canton of Zurich. The decision to accept a candidate lies with the course administrators who assess the applications. There is no waiting list.