CE is essential Return to Table of Contents
Continuing Education is a key component in the professional growth of a library director and the director's ability to cultivate good library service. Ideally, commitment to CE will be a goal shared by both the library board and governing authority. Library budgets should contain specific line item funding for staff development. Additionally, the library director should be aware of other free and affordable training and learning opportunities.
Continuing Education Grants The State Library's UPLIFT program offers a competitive grant program in two categories to support professional development: 1) Professional Excellence, and 2) Organization Resource for Individuals.
State Library sponsored training
The State Library's UPLIFT program is designed to help library directors without formal MLIS training to meet the personnel standard for library certification. Although basic UPLIFT is required for directors, the program is generally open to other key staff members as seating permits. Additional UPLIFT opportunities include advanced training in critical topics for the full library community, training for library trustees, special institutes, mini-workshops, teleconferences, grants to individuals and grants to library organizations.
Pioneer database training is available through regularly scheduled workshops and on-site training or live Web seminars can be arranged by request.
The Utah Library Association (ULA) sponsors an annual conference as well as mini-workshops throughout the year. The State Library partners with ULA in planning continuing education programs.
Professional literature
The State Library maintains a substantial collection of materials on library management and information technology that are available for libraries to borrow through Interlibrary Loan. The collection contains newly published works as well as classic texts. Newcomers as well as the experienced librarians will find something useful in this collection to further their professional knowledge.
Resources
CE Grants
State Library Workshops
ULA Workshops and Annual Conference
Staff Development Activities