Bring back the bachelor's degree. Taking courses keeps you in touch with reality. You get support and reinforcement from fellow students and the courage to make changes in your own workplace. A well-trained instructor opens your mind. Cost, travel time, time commitments cause problems.
Workshops can be as valuable as a credit course.
I like the fact that I can apply LT course credit toward attaining a college degree. Nobody likes the term paraprofessional. There needs to be training for people who operate small town libraries. Job market waxes and wanes and so does certification. I think the current LT certificate program is good, but I don't believe it should be mandated.