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
Scholarship Reports
Scholarship Reports:
Koha-US 2025 Annual Conference by Joel Sasse/Plum Creek Library System
I attended the annual Koha-US Conference in Providence, RI September [...]
Koha-US by Elizabeth Hoffman/Plum Creek Library System
I attended the Koha-US annual conference in Providence, RI. The [...]
RomanceCon by Magie Wieneke/Rock County Community Library
When originally signing up for the Romance Con event it [...]
Romance GenreCon by Magie Wieneke/Rock County Community Library
I got a chance to learn about the publishing industry [...]
2025 Nonprofit Fundraising Conference by Jessica Dybsetter/Minneota Public Library
I think the most useful thing that I took away [...]
Lake Superior Libraries Symposium by Calla Jarvie/Rock County Community Library
I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend [...]