Education Fund

(aussi disponible en français)

All libraries are eligible to apply for support under this program. While there are no pre-determined limits on number of applications or amount per library, priority will be given to first–time applicants to this fund.

Purpose of the Program
Libraries are facing many human resources challenges as described in the 8Rs report and other research. We recognize the need for more library professionals and training for all staff. The purpose of the program is to strengthen overall capacity of the library by developing individual expertise. Note: Training is also an eligible category for using the Library Credit/Grant Program. Since it does not require an application and is entirely at the library’s discretion, it may be the preferred route for funding less expensive training opportunities.

Eligible Items

First priority:

Tuition for degree and diploma programs in library and information studies and public administration (e.g., MLIS, Library Techniques, MPA/DPA)
Tuition for bachelor degree programs where the degree is related to work being done at the library or as a pre-requisite for a degree in library and information studies
Registration fees for certificate programs (e.g., APLL, Advanced EXCEL, EXCEL, etc.) and information technology programs such as those offered through community colleges

Second priority:

Registration, travel and accommodation for attendance at conferences such as OLA, ASTED, Digital Odyssey, etc. to a maximum of two attendees per library.

Note: Staff time exclusively for replacement staff for a small library with less than 1.5 FTEs if 1) the library is continuing to pay the salary of the staff member receiving training and 2) the library would have to be closed due to this person’s absence. Up to $160.00 per day per board may be requested for a maximum of three consecutive days to cover hours the library is open.

Application Process
Applications must be submitted by the library and address the following:

Contextual information about the library (population served, budget, number of branches, number of staff, whether full or part time and levels of education)
The program(s) for which support is being sought and the name of the proposed participant(s). In the case of conferences, please note if the library has sent someone to the conference in the past.
The length of the program(s), anticipated start and completion date(s) and qualifications (where appropriate) to be earned. Note: Start date must be no earlier than 3 months after the application deadline to allow time for the panel to review applications and announcements to be made.
The importance of this training in the context of the library’s needs and plans
How this training will address gaps/issues re qualifications, competencies, demographics (e.g., succession planning), geography (e.g., remote communities)
Budget - specify tuition/registration fees and travel/accommodation (where eligible) separately. Please complete separate budget forms for First Priority items (tuition and registration fees) and Second Priority items (conferences). Note: To calculate the budget for travel by car, use 40 cent/km.
Measurement Criteria – indicate number of participants and number of training hours (i.e., in-class/in-session) for the program(s)
It is a good strategy to submit a comprehensive application rather than small components at various deadlines.

Peer Review
SOLS and OLSN will convene a peer review panel to review and rank all applications. The panel will assess applications and recommend level of funding. Applications may be funded in whole or in part.

Timelines
Application deadlines are:

May 4, 2009
November 2, 2009
May 3, 2010
November 1, 2010

Applications must be received at SOLS (111 Peter Street, Suite 902, Toronto ON M5V 2H1) no later than 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date.

Reimbursement
Libraries submit the Application Program and Education Fund Reimbursement Request Form quarterly to SOLS. Items should be linked to the approved budget with appropriate back-up attached.

Post Project Report
A post project report will be due within three months of completing the training. Post Project Reports must include the name of the participant, the name of the program, budget reconciliation, and results (qualifications earned where appropriate and number of training hours). A final Reimbursement Request Form should accompany this report. In cases where the participant withdraws or fails, the library may be required to repay the grant to SOLS.