"Set one training goal each week achievable in one hour." This simple directive was given to every staff member of one Utah library in September 2011. The result just one year later? A sustainable, positive culture transformation. The mechanism, called “Self-Directed Achievement,” is a consistent, agile, individualized approach to staff development in a climate of constant change. It champions the basic library principle of lifelong learning. It is achievable for every individual with any level of expertise. And its impact will ripple through your organization from the staff work room to public lounge areas. Following this webinar, you will understand the model, mechanics, individual accountability, and supervisory responsibility involved in this remarkable method...and you’ll want to do it too.
Self-Directed Achievement on a Small Scale
A great example of how one library made learning a key part of what they do.
Thanks so much to all of the Delaware public library staff who took the time to complete the Training Needs Assessment. Your input was invaluable and greatly appreciated. Please find a link to the report below. Curriculum development is underway, and current professional development offerings are based on the results of the assessment.
The Training Needs Assessment was based on the Competency Index for the Library Field compiled by WebJunction.
Kathy Graybeal, Sussex County Library Director, gives us a 3-minute introduction to highlight points of professional development and talk about its importance in our libraries, recorded for the June 2014 Library Town Meeting.
More Delaware Libraries training videos and additional tools for learning are available on the consortium page, and here
As of June 30, 2020, Delaware public library staff comprised:
As of June 30, 2019, Delaware public library staff comprised:
As of June 30, 2018, Delaware public library staff comprised:
As of June 30, 2017, Delaware public library staff comprised:
As of June 30, 2015, Delaware public library staff comprised:
As of June 30, 2014, Delaware public library staff comprised:
As of June 30, 2013, Delaware public library staff comprised:
Links to sources of other archived webinars:
Additional Training Opportunities!
The Delaware Division of Libraries is pleased to announce that we have renewed membership for Delaware Libraries in WebJunction for FY24. The following are now available for free to all Delaware library staff -
Dozens of new articles on hot library topics will be published on a regular basis, so stay tuned to the WebJunction.org homepage.
Crossroads newsletter is broadcast each month, to alert you to upcoming learning opportunities and keep you updated on what is happening in the library world. Make sure you are subscribed!
WebJunction will host more than 20 live webinar sessions throughout the year--free events that allow you to meet and learn from library leaders and fellow library practitioners.
For a monthly list of free training opportunities, see WebJunction's Free Training page.
If you have any questions, please email profdev@lib.de.us.
Directory of ALA-Accredited and Candidate Programs in Library and Information Studies
Library Support Staff Certification/LSSC
LSSC is designed to recognize the value and accomplishments of Library Support Staff. The LSSC Program is managed by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) and is directed toward those who work in positions in libraries that do not require a graduate degree in Library Science.
Ada Leigh Soles Memorial Professional Librarian and Archivist Scholarship
Please see the above box for the scholarship application and reference form.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The purpose of this program is to enable and encourage academically talented Delawareans to pursue careers as librarians and archivists in Delaware.
The program is administered by the Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL).
Awards shall be provided for education in master's degree programs of library and information studies that are accredited by the American Library Association. Related degrees at ALA-accredited institutions will be considered. Preference shall be given to persons currently employed by a Delaware public library, county department of libraries, public school library, state agency library or archive, or a member library of the Delaware Library Consortium.
Awards may also be provided for study leading to bachelor’s and doctoral degrees. Awards shall be limited to persons who have been employed for a minimum of six months at a Delaware public library, county department of libraries, public school library, state agency library or archive, or a member library of the Delaware Library Consortium. Employment must be current.
A list of state agency libraries can be found on the list of special libraries at https://lib.de.us/special-libraries/.
You must be a legal resident of Delaware in order to be eligible for a Soles Scholarship.
Academic record is considered. Preference is given to students pursuing a Master's Degree. Awards are subject to available funding, and renewal awards will be funded first.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be submitted to scholarships@lib.de.us between April 1 and June 1.
PAYMENT PROCESS
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please email scholarships@lib.de.us with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE: The following scholarships are available through the Delaware Library Association -
If you hear about a professional development opportunity that interests you (webinar, eCourse,...), please send an email to profdev@lib.de.us. There is a good possibility that others are interested as well, so DDL may be able to arrange for a group viewing of a webinar, group participation in an eCourse, etc. DDL is usually able to pay any associated fees.
Frustrated because you see a book you would like to purchase from ALA but it's too expensive? Well, worry no more! DDL has a budget for professional development materials, so if you see something you'd like to order (from ALA or elsewhere), just send an email with the details to profdev@lib.de.us, and we'll be happy to order it. The item will be placed in the floating collection so it will be available to all.