Changes To The Professional Development Program

The Professional Development Program provides assistance to the staff of NNYLN member libraries in their professional development. Under this program, staff of member libraries may apply for a stipend of up to $500 to assist them in attending conferences, seminars, workshops and other educational events. Applicants may also apply for funds of up to $500 to offset the cost of coursework toward a degree in library and information sciences.

Over the last six years, more than 60 staff of member libraries have received assistance with their continuing education expenses.

This year, the program will undergo a few changes. Effective 10/1/09:

• Recipients must agree to share expertise of knowledge gained with the North Country library community. While the program has always required applicants to share the knowledge or expertise gained, more emphasis will be placed on this requirement when considering approval of applications. Applicants should try to state, in very specific terms, how they think their experiences can best be shared, and provide examples of what might be done. In addition, the application form now contains a separate section where a candidate may choose the method that this sharing will take.

• Applications must be submitted in electronic form. Faxed or mailed applications will no longer be accepted. The application for funds, found on the Network’s web page, has been changed to an all electronic format. Applicants will find text boxes where requested information can be filled in, and which provide ample room for the narrative parts of the application. Instead of attaching a flyer for the event an applicant wants to attend, there is a prompt for a URL, if available, for the event. When a candidate has completed the application, just hit the "submit" button, and it’s done!

• In establishing a hierarchy for granting awards, the Network will give preference to first time applicants, and will place more importance on library school coursework.

For a more complete explanation of the program, check out both the program guidelines and the application on the NNYLN website: www.nnyln.org; click on "Training and Workshops," then click on "Professional Development Program." Links will be seen for the program guidelines and for the application.