New Library World

Purpose – This paper aims to present an overview of the situation with international credentialing, certification, and recognition in the USA from the perspective of the American Library Association.

Design/methodology/approach – Reviews history of changes to methods of international credentialing and recognition in the USA.

Findings – Though the recent changes in policy from ALA now allow for equivalency of degrees at the Master's level, libraries in the USA are not bound by the policy and many still have questions about accepting applicants with foreign degrees based on concerns such as compatibility, quality assurance, and acceptability.

Practical implications – More work has to be done by ALA to publicize its new policy and gain acceptance by libraries in the USA and to gather lists of accredited or recognized programs from other countries. The issue of international credentialing, certification, and recognition needs to be addressed by IFLA and library educators, library associations, and libraries as employers to make progress toward creating “global librarians.”

Originality/value – Points put forward by the author will be of interest to those involved in the same field.