Q: I have an MLS degree but I’m not currently working in a library. How can one obtain continuing education credits without being employed by a library system?

SM: It doesn’t matter if you are employed by a library system or not, you can still register for and attend workshops and classes that will provide you with continuing education credits or CEUs (continuing education units), as long as you are  willing to pay for them. Credits, if that’s what you are seeking, do not come free. Continuing your education and staying active in the profession while looking for library jobs is something we always recommend and will most certainly provide a boost to your resume  — and you can find educational opportunities in many different places and in many different formats. National and state conferences usually offer pre and post conference workshops for credit, but if you are unable to attend these you can look into other venues, such as: your state library association, national and local associations (MLA, SLA , ACRL, PLA, etc.), and established online programs that offer both courses and certificates of advanced study (CAS).

Here are some education sites to get you started:

ALA’s Education and Continuous Learning page
Medical Library Association Education
Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science Continuing Education
SLA’s Click U

Online CAS (certificates of advanced study) Programs:

Drexel University, Advanced Certificate of Information Studies and Technology
Rutgers University, School of Communication and Information, Certificate Programs
Syracuse School of Information Studies, Online Programs
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Graduate School of Library and Information Science Online Education (LEEP)
University of North Texas, eCampus