LibGuides: Training: Home

Frequently Asked Questions

What will count as training?

All training must be at least one hour in length to be considered and must be related to library services
Any in-service, roundtable, or seminar offered by the regional library system
Training offered by the State Library and Archives
- Includes Summer Reading Workshop, TEL Training, Verso training, Trustee Workshop, etc.
Training webinars. conferences and pre-conferences sponsored by professional library associations (TLA, ALA, PLA, ARSL)
One-on-one training provided by state or regional staff that is documented
Training offered by a national professional organization (for example ALA & PLA)
Webinars offered by WebJunction, Infopeople, and other state approved providers
Training toward meeting the library staff core competencies
Staff training days sponsored by the library where you are employed
Any training required by the city or county government. Must be documented

Who is administration? Administration includes professionals or staff who fill a supervisory role and who work in the library full time.

What if I attend a college course directly related to library science? You will be awarded credit for the course based on the credit hours of the course. For example, a three credit course would count for three hours.

Will conferences count? Library directors may make a determination as to how many hours should be awarded for a conference. However, conference participation may not exceed eight hours per event. Attendance at a pre-conference will count hour-for-hour.

How will my training be monitored? You or your library director will keep track of your training and share that information with the regional library. Library directors have the flexibility to exempt staff not providing direct library services (i.e., IT, office and janitorial staff). Progress toward meeting the guidelines will be included in the monthly or quarterly regional report.

What if the guidelines are not met? Continuing education is a component of the Library Service Agreement. Training will be reviewed by your regional director and shared with your library board. Information will also be shared with the State Library and Archives.

I'm still struggling!

Getting your staff to training can be challenging for a variety of reasons.It's important to help those who have attended training process and apply what they've learned. As a supervisor there's a lot you can do.

Begin by mentoring! Ask questions about the training. What was the most interesting thing discussed? What was taught that might change how you do things in your library? Done right mentoring can accomplish so much more than reinforce training! It will open a dialog between you and your employee that can lead to a variety of benefits, and you'll get to hear what you might have missed. A detailed conversation will also let your staff know that you expect something from them besides attendance.

Invite staff who have attended training to share what they've learned at your next staff meeting. This method of re-training reinforces what was learned. After all,there's nothing like teaching to think through a process.

Provide plenty of opportunities to practice and apply any new skills. Sometimes it's hard to let go and make changes, but change is a benefit of learning.

Above all, be positive!

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If you're having a hard time getting motivated or talking with your staff about training, consider the following resources:

5 Reasons Your Employees Never Get the Training They Desperately Want (And What to Do About It)

5 Reasons Why You Need To Invest In Employee Training

How to Ensure a Passing Grade for Training and Development

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