The purpose of this program is to upgrade the quality of library service in member and non-menber libraries through continuing education activities. No other organization in this area provides a continuing education program for public librarians at various levels of experience and in different sized libraries. This program is also mandated by the Rules for Administering the Library Systems Act so that librarians may obtain the necessary credits for certification by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

The workshops presented each fiscal year are determined by the rankings received of various topics in a needs assessment survey.

Contact Meller Langford Allen at the HALS office for more information:
713.247.1925 or mlangfor@hpl.lib.tx.us.

 
Staff Development Grants

Continuing education opportunities are provided throughout the year, however, workshop topics selected by survey are not always a timely or appropriate solution to the specific needs of one library or a group of libraries. Grant funds available for staff development training in a targeted area better meet such needs.

Although new applicant grant requests are given higher priority than those of applicants who received a grant in either of the two previous fiscal years, all member libraries are eligible to apply. If a group of libraries jointly apply for a grant, only one application is submitted. This "one application" rule also applies to multi-site library systems.

The program is open to all member libraries of the Houston Area Library System. For further information, contact Meller Langford Allen, mlangfor@hpl.lib.tx.us or 713.247.1925