The Library of Michigan strives to support libraries' efforts to provide quality service and programming to their communities. A major element of excellent service is empowering library staff to learn and implement new skills and best practices. The Librarian Continuing Education program helps by providing financial support for library staff continuing education. Michigan public, academic and school library staff are eligible to apply for continuing education stipends. The next deadline for application review is September 27. Please take a moment to review the Library Continuing Education Program web page and the downloadable Program Criteria and Application Questions document available there to find out more about how you can request funding to support travel and registration expenses for your own professional development. Web page with information https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,9327,7-381-88855_89737-359559--.... Criteria: * Current staff members (full or part-time) of eligible libraries are eligible to apply THROUGH their library, which is the applicant. The library staff member will be the continuing education attendee. * Eligible libraries are legally established public libraries, academic libraries, or school libraries which meet the library eligibility standards: o Have one or more paid staff; o Have a regular schedule of library service; o Have a dedicated facility for library purposes; o Have an annual budget with funds reserved for library materials and services; o Have a record of resource sharing with other libraries; o And are CURRENTLY eligible for state aid to public libraries. * Special libraries may apply as public libraries if they are: o Non-profit; o And allow public access to their services and collections. * The library staff member's job must include duties that include direct provision of library services to library patrons or students. * The attendee must be employed by the library through the entirety of the event to receive funding. * The request must be for support to attend a national, state or regional workshop, institute, conference or webinar on a library program or service-related topic. * Library of Michigan events, such as Beginning Workshop, New or Advanced Directors Workshop, or Rural Libraries Conference are NOT eligible for the program. Internal institutional events such as staff development days are NOT eligible for the program. * Funding is available as a stipend payment for the amount approved after the event and required documentation are received. * Funding requests are as follows: o In State Event - One Day $300 o In State Event - Two Day $600 o In State Event - Three Day $900 o In State Travel Support $150 - Only if event site is more than 150 miles from the attendee's library one way. o Out of State Event $1,600 o Webinar/Online Class Actual Registration amount/Not to Exceed $500 All attendees must submit an article or presentation they shared with their local library community to the Library of Michigan through the grant site before their library will be paid. * An applicant may receive funding for only one event per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). * Applying does not ensure funding. * Approved stipends will be rescinded if documentation is NOT submitted by the appropriate deadline. Please review the full program criteria for instructions and details on how to apply for the funds. Shannon --------------------------------- Shannon White Library of Michigan www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.335.1507 Whites29@michigan.gov<mailto:Whites29@michigan.gov>