Fact Sheet 

Continuing Education and Training

FACT SHEET

PURPOSE

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners recognizes the need for a coordinated, statewide program of continuing education and training for library personnel at all levels, trustees, friends of libraries, and for state and local municipal officials who have authority or responsibility for libraries.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Staff of the Board, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, and other library organizations, each year conduct a number of workshops and trainings throughout the state to provide a wide range of continuing education and training programs for library staff, trustees and friends of library organizations.

CURRENT CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM OF THE BOARD

Annual Report Information Survey and Data Use

Each year workshops are held statewide to work with librarians supplying data to the Board on the Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS).

Library Services & Technology Act Grant Programs

Workshops are held throughout the state for libraries applying for federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Special Project Grants.

Library Technology

Workshops on current information technologies for libraries and Board staff, as well as hands on training for technology grant recipients, are offered in training labs throughout the state.

Preservation of Library Collections

Preservation education includes workshops presented by Board staff in disaster preparedness and recovery, and basic repair of library and archival materials.

State Aid to Public Libraries

State Aid Workshops are held throughout the state with the purpose of explaining the State Aid to Public Libraries program and clarifying the State Aid forms.

Statewide Services

Orientations to statewide databases are held throughout the state, providing opportunities for library staff to become knowledgeable and stay up-to-date on enhancements.

Trustees and Friends of Libraries

A variety of workshops, symposia and orientations for public library trustees and Friends of Libraries are conducted by the Public Library Advisory Unit of the Board.

AUTHORIZATION

The Continuing Education and Training Program is authorized by MGL Chapter 78 sections 14, 15, 19.