ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Annual Library Certification FAQs

How do I login to complete the Annual Certification?
The online certification portal requires the agency ELI Control Number and the main administrative branch number for each library system agency. This information is available through L2 [Library Learning]. Locate your library agency information and scroll through the information to find the ELI Control Number (ex: 54321).

Main administrative branches are identified as 00 for public, academic, special, and private school libraries. Public school library administrative branches are identified as 99.

Does every library system member need to certify, every year?
Yes, every system member must certify, annually. The window for libraries to complete the online, annual library certification is January 2 through March 31.

My library is a Developmental Member – do I need to certify?
Yes, every library regardless of membership status needs to certify annually.

What happens if I miss the March 31 deadline?
After March 31, the library certification form will no longer be available. Library staff will need to contact their regional library system for assistance.

Does every library building need to certify?
No, the certification is done at the agency level (ex: school district). However, the building control number that is allowed to login to the library certification web portal must be the administrative headquarters building (control # ending in '00' for public, academic, and special libraries or ending in '99' for public school districts).

Some academic institutions have multiple administrative branch numbers with an ending of '00' and all branches with this ending number must certify individually.

Once I login, will any information about my library already be there?
Library data will be present after login, but it may be out of date and need to be updated.

If my agency’s DUNS or FEIN number is already present, but is incorrect, can I change it?
No, it is not possible for the agency to change this information in the library certification online form. Please email the correct information, along with library name and control number to isl_certify@ilsos.net.

If my institution does not have a generic institution email account, can the director’s email address be entered?
Yes.

Are all of the certification questions the same for all libraries?
There is a basic set of required questions for all libraries but also unique questions depending on library type (academic, public, school, or special) and the membership status of each library (full or developmental).

If I answer 'no' to one or some of the certification questions, what happens?
Some of the membership criteria questions that are answered 'no' will generate a report and an email to the regional library system staff. Your agency may then be contacted for more information and clarification.

Can I print a copy of my certification?
Yes, after answering all questions, there is the option to 'Print' the certification before final submission. It is recommended that you print and keep a copy in the event that questions arise about answers.

How long will it take to complete the online certification form?
10-20 minutes.

Can I start and finish the certification form at different times?
No, at this time there is no functionality in the library certification web portal that allows users to save answers and return later to complete the form.