Prairielands supports career development by offering continuing education scholarships to staff in member libraries. Scholarships are offered on both a quarterly ($400) and annual ($1000) basis for any appropriate training, workshop, or seminar, including annual events such as MLA, ITEM, Children’s Literature conference, etc. Staff of member libraries may apply for one annual scholarship per year in addition to one quarterly scholarship per fiscal quarter. The fiscal year quarters are:

Quarter 1: July – September
Quarter 2: October – December
Quarter 3: January – March
Quarter 4: April – June

All scholarships reimburse expenses related to the continuing education program. An eligible expense might include a registration fee, lodging, mileage, etc. Paid receipts will be required. Check with Prairielands for expenses that differ from these examples. Recipients are required to share their experience with other Prairielands members by submitting a report through an online form. Reimbursement forms for all scholarships are attached to approval letters.

Quarterly Scholarships: $400

Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report

Annual Scholarships: $1000

Scholarship Guidelines
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Report

Continuing Education Opportunities

Prairielands encourages staff in member libraries to investigate trends and changes in library programs and job descriptions through continuing education. The organizations listed below provide continuing education opportunities in the form of conferences, webinars and self-paced learning. While many charge for their services, some are free. This list is not and will not attempt to be exhaustive. It is also not intended to imply Prairielands scholarships will only be granted for these opportunities. Please contact us with questions regarding potential professional development opportunities that may be covered by scholarship funding.