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, per-diem meals, etc. Paid receipts will be required. Check with Prairielands for expenses that differ from these examples.
Please note: Scholarship funding cannot be used towards memberships, subscriptions, or on-going purchases.
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
Scholarship Reports:
MN Library Association Conference by Teri Smith / Redwood Falls Public Library
I attended the MN Library Association Conference in St. Cloud [...]
Minnesota Library Association Conference by Calla Jarvie / Rock County Community Library
My time at the Minnesota Library Association conference was incredibly [...]
MLA Annual Conference by Carrie Dose / Jackson County Library
I attended the MLA Annual Conference on Oct. 11-12 that [...]
MLA Conference 2018 by Deb Lanthier / Dawson/Madison/Canby Public Libraries
The MLA Conference 2018 was held in St. Cloud, MN [...]
ILA Annual Conference by Mackenzie Schley / Jackson County Library
The Iowa Library Association put on a fantastic conference! The [...]
ILA by Sunny Osland / Heron Lake Public Library
One important class that I took was "Developing and Sustaining [...]
