Staff Development PolicySupport for Paraprofessional Staff Development

The Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library depends on having a thoughtful, creative, and engaged staff and encourages professional growth. Toward that end, support will be available for staff development; in turn, staff are expected to plan development activities that fit their individual interests and the library's mission.

Staff are encouraged to take advantage of learning opportunities. Release time will be provided when possible for activities including such local ones as Nobel, Mayday, Employee Enhancement Days, and so on. Staff are responsible for planning for these opportunities so that such activities don't interfere with the library's operations.

Each paraprofessional staff member is allocated an annual amount of $300 to use for their development. (Routine and required activities such as PALS user group meetings should not be paid for out of these funds.) This money is to cover all expenses for the development activity, including travel. The library will fund reasonable costs; costs should be estimated on the application form and receipts must be submitted for reimbursement.* These funds can be used for a variety of activities including but not limited to conference attendance, course materials, tuition, travel to visit other institutions, and research projects. An additional $200 (per year) may be applied for, if the staff member is presenting a paper, chairing a session, etc. If a staff member wishes, their annual allocation can be "rolled over" to a second year so that $600 is available in a given year; for a maximum allocation of $800 per year.

To apply for these funds, an application must be submitted to and approved by the library chairperson. The Staff Enhancement Committee may review the disposition of any request which either the staff member or the chair finds problematic. The deadline for filing an application for an activity within the fiscal year is April 15. To the extent that the budget allows, staff members may be eligible for additional funding. To apply for additional funding, send the Staff Enhancement Committee a memo describing the need and a rationale.

At the end of the year, each staff member must file a brief report on their annual activities with the Library Chair for the Annual Report Summary. Whenever feasible, staff should share what they have learned with their colleagues through reports, routing of materials, or by informal conversation.

May 1999 w/ latest revisions March 2012

* See the All Campus Policies for details on allowable travel expenses.