WRLS CE Scholarship Fund 2023-2024

CE Scholarship Fund Request Forms and More Information

WRLS is offering competitive scholarships to support costs for continuing education events.

To qualify for a scholarship, you must read and use one of the application forms below unless otherwise stated. If your application is accepted, you will be notified by WRLS staff. Scholarship winners are expected to make their own conference arrangements, including registration, lodging, and travel (unless otherwise noted).

All grant recipients must complete and submit a Continuing Education Grant Evaluation form AND a WRLS Expense Reimbursement Form with itemized receipts within 30 days of the program’s completion.  Reimbursements will not be made until forms have been completed. WRLS Expense Reimbursement forms are available on request.

IMPORTANT: WRLS will reimburse either the library or the applicant for all expenses (including fees, meals, transportation, etc.) in ONE CHECK. Please keep itemized receipts for all expenses and plan to submit a photo or scanned copy of the receipts along with your reimbursement form. Costs must be accrued between 7/1/23 and 6/30/24. Please allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement. 

THE FINE PRINT

Persons Eligible:

• Any paid staff member or trustee of any WRLS member public library
• WRLS member public library

Eligible Activities:

• Workshops offered by other library systems, libraries, or multitype networks.
• Pre-conference workshops.
• UW Continuing Education Services programs including the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS).
• Courses (non-credit) offered by an academic institution, i.e., business, Internet, management, etc.
• Workshops or programs offered by non-library agencies and organizations to enhance professional growth.

Eligible Expenses:

• Tuition fee or registration fees. Remember that conference fees are significantly less the earlier you register!
• One year membership fee (members often receive discounted conference rates).
• Mileage reimbursed at Federal rates ($0.67 per mile as of January 1, 2024).
• Meals reimbursed at State rates ($59 a day maximum/$44.25 first/last day of travel: $13 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, $26 for dinner, unless otherwise stated).
• Lodging reimbursed at State rates ($98 per night unless otherwise stated [example: conference hotel rate]).
• Other, such as parking and transportation.
• Reimbursement for substitute library staff (if staffing and/or paying a substitute is an issue that hinders your ability to attend a CE activity, please talk to Kelli at WRLS).

Eligible Activities with limitations:

• Attendance at Library conferences
• Staff in-service or staff training

Non-eligible Activities:

• Costs associated with participating on committees.
• Costs of tours and special events associated with a conference.
• Course work leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or certificate program.
  • Exceptions include courses for Public Library Director Certification and some courses for the Library Support Certification program through ALA (contact Kelli for more information).

Non-eligible Expenses:

• Individual’s salary for the time spent at the program.
• Alcoholic beverages.