Prairielands supports career development by offering continuing education scholarships to staff in member libraries. Scholarships are offered on both a quarterly ($400) and annual ($1200) 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 quarterly scholarship per quarter of Prairieland’s fiscal year in addition to one annual scholarship. Scholarships may not be combined for use at the same event. 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. Please note that as of July 1st, 2025, the guidelines have been updated to reflect a per-diem allotment for meal expenses. Recipients are required to share their experience with other Prairielands members by submitting a report of at least 500 words through our online form. Reimbursement forms for all scholarships are attached to approval letters.
Travel Expense Policy High-Cost Localities Applicant Checklist
Quarterly Scholarships: $400
Scholarship Guidelines Scholarship Application Scholarship Report
Annual Scholarships: $1200
Scholarship Guidelines Scholarship Application Scholarship Report
Continuing Education Opportunities
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Prairielands encourages staff in member libraries to investigate trends and changes in library programs and job descriptions through continuing education. 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.
Prairielands Library Basics
Register to view these tutorials
- Information Literacy
- Reference Interview
- Finding an Article from a Citation
- Legal and Medical Assistance, not Advice
- Problem Patrons
- Dealing with Stress, Pressure and Burnout
Minnesota
- Level Up! Minnesota
- Minitex Training and Events
- Continuing Education Calendar
- Linking Our Libraries classes – CMLE (Central Minnesota Library Exchange)
- Linking Our Libraries podcasts – CMLE
Scholarship Reports
Scholarship Reports:
MLA Conference by Teri Smith / Redwood Falls Public Library
I attended the Minnesota Library Association Conference on September 19th [...]
2019 Minnesota Library Association Conference by Lydia Rebehn / Pioneerland Library System – Madison
This year's conference once again offered a great opportunity to [...]
MLA 2019 by Emily Blaeser / Meinders Community Library
This was my second time attending MLA and my first [...]
MLA Annual Conference by Jody Wacker / Meinders Community Library
Surprisingly, one of my most valuable moments at MLA 2019 [...]
Minnesota Library Association Conference 2019 by Cindy Miller / Dawson Public Library
The MLA 2019 conference at Mystic Lake Center was great. [...]
MLA 2019 by Nicole Schmiesing / Benson/Kerkhoven Public Libraries
Thank you Prairelands for helping me go to MLA in [...]