Professional Development Program Guidelines

  1. Purpose
    The purpose of the Continuing Education Committee of the Northern New York Library Network’s Professional Development Program is to provide assistance to the staff of member libraries in their professional development. Financial aid from this program enables staff to attend conferences, seminars, workshops and other educational activities which are not available locally and for which funds might not otherwise be available. Eligible activities do not need to be sponsored by a library or library organization.

  2. Eligibility
    The program is available to all staff of NNY Library Network’s member organizations. Eligible events include conferences, seminars, workshops, graduate coursework in library and information science, undergraduate coursework in a work related field and other opportunities. Applications for assistance may be submitted every two years.

  3. Application Schedule
    Applications for funds are accepted at any time. They will be reviewed and awards will be made on a bimonthly basis. Applications must be submitted in time to be considered and a response received before the event takes place. Review deadlines for applications is the first working day of January, March, May, July, September, and November.

    Applications should be postmarked by the last working day of the months preceding these review deadlines and must be submitted on an Application for Funds, Professional Development Program form provided by the NNYLN. A copy of the program announcement, flyer, or course description is to be included if available.

  4. Selection
    Applications are reviewed and selections made by a panel of previous Professional Development Grant recipients.

  5. Award Funds
    The maximum award is $500. Funds will be paid on a reimbursement basis. Receipts for tuition and travel must be submitted for reimbursement. Eligible expenses include registration, tuition, lodging mileage and/or commercial transportation, and meals. Meals will be paid on a per diem basis; receipts must be submitted for all other expenses.

  6. Criteria
    1. The hierarchy for awards are:
      1. Top Priority: Job related conference, seminars, workshops not readily available in the North Country.
      2. Second Priority: Library school coursework.
      3. Third Priority: Job related graduate or undergraduate coursework.
      4. Lowest Priority: Multiple applications from the same member to the same conference.
    2. Other factors in awarding stipends shall be (in order of importance):
      1. Unique or special offering not readily available in the North Country.
      2. Demonstrated financial need.
      3. Relevance to current or future responsibilities.
      4. Availability of partially matching funds from staff member or employer.

  7. Information Sharing
    Recipients are required to submit a written summary of their impressions and experiences with regard to the activity funded by Professional Development Grant funds.

    The Network may also request that recipients do a short presentation at an appropriate Network meeting or workshop.



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