Bibliosuisse Certification Course: Basic Training for Public and School Libraries

Do you work in a public school or community library and want to acquire basic library skills? Then the Bibliosuisse certificate course is for you.

What can you expect?

Our compact continuing education course provides you with basic library knowledge in a practical and personalised way. Interaction with colleagues is a central component of the course and provides valuable inspiration. Excursions complement the programme and offer additional insights into practical work. Upon completion, you will be able to competently work in the day-to-day operations of a public library.

Our focus areas:

Module 1 Fundamentals and structures

Public libraries in Switzerland, organisation and finances, law, library development and trends, quality management

Module 2 Collection management

Collection development and maintenance, media presentation, e-media, media for adults, media for children and young people

Module 3 Language and reading promotion

Programmes for language and reading promotion, reading behaviour and reading socialisation, libraries and diversity

Module 4 Information and media literacy

Research skills, teaching media literacy, digital literacy, teaching library, event management

Module 5 Marketing and communication

Target group analysis, strategy, online marketing, advertising, customer communication, consulting and complaint management

Who is the course suitable for?

For employees of public school and community libraries who would like to acquire basic library knowledge.

Admission Requirements:

• 20% position in a public City, Local or School Library
• Completed vocational training (EFZ) or secondary school diploma (secondary level II)
• Support from a specialist in the library and the opportunity to gain practical experience in all areas of the library during the course
• Good knowledge of Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet use
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good general knowledge and interest in current affairs

If the number of participants is exceeded, employees from libraries in the canton of Zurich will be given priority.

Course Duration and Schedule:

• Next course: 7 September 2026 to 28 January 2027
• 120–140 lessons (45 minutes each) including excursions
• Exclusive self-study time for preparation and follow-up work, as well as three written assessments (practical assignments)
• Course days are Monday and Thursday. Regular lessons from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Excursions or additional lessons possible in the afternoon until 4:15 p.m.
• No lessons during Zurich school holidays
• No lessons at Zurich Bibliocamp

Course Fees:

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

Recommendation to local authorities: Please support your employees with an appropriate contribution.

You can register for the course here from January 2026.