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2008 Westchester Library Association

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

This award, consisting of up to $500, is designed to assist WLA members in pursuing professional development activities that will enhance their performance as a librarian.  One award will be offered during the 2008 membership year.

Examples of professional development activities include, but are not limited to:

*    attending the 2008 Annual NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY

*    attending the International Reading Association Conference

*    taking a Children's Literature Course offered at a local College/University

*    attending Public Library Association Conferences

*    attending the American Library Association Annual Conference,

*    participating in a correspondence/virtual on-line university course on any topic that is relevant to their job duties.

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for the WLA Professional Development Award an applicant must:

*  hold an M.L.S.

* be a member in good standing of WLA and not serve on the WLA Board or WLA Scholarship Committee.

* have not won the scholarship more than once in the past three years.

TERMS OF AWARD:

The recipient shall:

*  use the award monies within 12 months of being selected as the recipient.

*  contribute an article for the web site summarizing their experiences.

*  be asked to sign a statement agreeing to give a presentation at a WLA conference (mid-winter/fall or annual) within 12 months of being awarded the scholarship, based upon knowledge gained at the conference or course they attended as well as agreeing to submit a report about their experiences within a month of conference attendance or course completion.

* receive payment of the award monies only upon proof of completion of the course, workshop, conference, or program; and submission of the article for the WLA Website.

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE 2008 WLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE!

If the recipient will be unable to attend the conference/complete the course and complete the terms of the award, he/she will notify the WLA Awards Committee and return the funds received.


APPLICATIONS:

Please click here for the application form   The application should include:

*  an essay of 1000 words or less, (2-3 pages, double-spaced) describing your  professional involvement with library service and clearly state the purpose/benefits of your taking the course/workshop, or attending the conference/program.   Include significant library experiences and your activities with any professional associations.  Discuss how you see yourself as an active member of WLA now and in the future. In the selection process, the Awards Committee will be considering the interest of an applicant in making a commitment to WLA activities in the future and his or her intent to attend future conferences.

*  two letters of reference.

*  an outline/professional description of the course, workshop, conference or program you wish to participate in.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The recipient of the award shall be selected by the WLA Professional Development Committee.

* the WLA Professional Development Committee shall decide if an award is given.  The decision will be made by April 15th, 2008, and all applicants will be notified.   Professional Development Award Winner will be announced at the 2008 Annual conference during the general membership meeting.

 Deadline for applications:

Please mail or email application by March 31, 2008 to:

Karen Zielinski, Chair
WLA Professional Development Committee
Scarsdale Public Library
54 Olmsted Road
ladybugger67@yahoo.com




Last modified on 2/14/2008 by the WLA Web Administration Committee