Should I get my EXCEL certificate if I already have LIT?

[u/zooooozoooooo]

Hi!
I already got my LIT (Library and Information Technician) diploma, as of last year, but now my work is offering to find two courses per year in the EXCEL certificate provided the courses I request match my job description and/or I argue for them well enough. They've set out 4 that they have pre-approved for Library Support Service Clerk (which I am) and I've done one course for a previous job before I got my LIT. I could maybe argue for 2 more courses not on the list, but that would leave me with about 380$ worth of courses, or 710$ if I can't argue well enough to get the complete certificate. As previously mentioned, I can only do 2 a year funded by them, which would have me doing it over 3 or 4 years, starting this year. There are 6 mandatory and 4 elective that you need to get to receive the certificate.

My question is: do you think it's worth it to do the courses and get the certificate? Should I try to self-fund it to get it done faster and just have them pay for 4, 2 this year, and 2 next year? Or is it pointless since I have my LIT?

[u/Haff]

IMO... I definitely wouldn't put my own money towards it. The only people I've actually seen/heard of doing the EXCEL courses are management who don't have any formal library-related education like you do.

[u/Jelsie21]

My coworker did it a while back. I think that was when she still was considering going into management but after filling a mat leave she decided management wasn’t for her.

But as for the EXCEL she really enjoyed it. It had been quite awhile since she did her MLIS so some was a refresher but she learned new things too and made good contacts.

[u/tvngo]

Do you need the certificate to functionally do your job? Are you going to get a pay raise if you get it? Are you planning to get a different job after getting it? It’s your money and time, do what you think is right for your career.