Spring Assembly

Spring Assembly is held on the third Thursday of April each year. Its main purpose is to conduct the annual business meeting for the system, including election of officers and approval of the budget.

Recent events have also included keynote speakers and one hour workshops on various topics of interest. Examples include: serving children and young adults, automation, internet and technology, working with community groups, and understanding your leadership style.

This is an all day function, held at rotating locations within the system. A planning committee comprised of representatives from the varying types of libraries provides input on topics and keynote speakers.

NEST

NEST (or NEKLS Education System Training) is an annual two-day event specifically targeted to librarians from small and medium sized public libraries in communities of 11,000 or less. It is generally scheduled for the third Thursday and Friday in September, and held at The Barn Conference Center in Valley Falls.

The first day of the retreat generally includes break out sessions and a keynote address. Participants spend time in the evening visiting and relaxing. The second day provides additional break out sessions, a brief address from the system director, and ends with an idea-sharing session from librarians.

In addition to the twelve hours of continuing education credit that participants receive, the main benefit of NEST is the networking opportunities it provides. Most of those attending choose to spend the night at the conference center. 

Fall Assembly

Fall Assembly is generally held on the third Thursday of November at rotating locations within the system. Participants are from all sizes and types of libraries, and also include board members, friends, and system representatives.

The highlight of the day is a one to three hour keynote address from a nationally known speaker. Break-out sessions are offered on topics of interest to a broad range of libraries, or targeted to specific user groups or types of libraries. Breakfast and lunch are included in the day.

School Librarian’s Workshop

First held in 1999, this workshop is planned for July so as not to conflict with the statewide institute, and also to appeal to school media personnel who are often unable to attend events during the school year. Many years it is a one-day event held at the Barn conference center in Valley Falls. The format and topics are chosen based on input from those attending, but generally will appeal to a broad range of librarians working in school settings. Contact Laura DeBaun at ldebaun (at) nekls.org with any questions or suggestions for programming.

Other Training

Other training is available to individual institutions on request. NEKLS staff will work with local staff to develop workshops, staff development days, or one-on-one training on topics of interest.

NEKLS will also develop specific workshops using outside speakers in response to requests from institutions.

Workshops are scheduled throughout each year to meet specific changing needs of libraries and staff.

Contact the office for more information.

Substitute Librarian Program

Guidelines and Information

CRITERIA

Public libraries which are NEKLS members are eligible if they meet the following:

The library is in a community under 5,000 population AND

1. The library has no more than 2.5 FTE staff (total paid staff time equal to no more than 100 hours per week).

The program must be used for continuing education activities. It can also be used for legislative advocacy events, such as Legislative Day, and participation in NEKLS committee meetings. It is primarily designed for use by library directors. It is NOT designed to be used for vacation coverage, sick days, or to have an “extra” staff member.

PRIORITIES

First priority will be given to those libraries signed up at the beginning of the year. Money is available to allow payment for up to 12 continuing education days per library.

Libraries are responsible for finding and training (locally) their own substitute. NEKLS will provide financial support of $8.00 per hour with no benefits. Funds MUST be used for that purpose. If libraries choose to pay less, they can apply for reimbursement only for the amount actually paid.

GRANT ASSISTANCE

System staff are available to help with payroll issues, or for training and other questions. Contact Laura DeBaun for payroll questions; Jim Minges or Mickey Coalwell for all other questions.

DEADLINES

Checks are issued on the third Thursday of every month. Requests for payment/ reimbursements should be sent to the system office by the second Thursday of the month.

TO PARTICIPATE

Contact the NEKLS office to arrange participation for your library.

C.E Grant Guidelines

Printable Version with Application (Microsoft Word)

Continuing education grant funds are being made available for library personnel and trustees to promote their educational experiences designed to improve library services.

1. Grants will be awarded for workshops, conferences, meetings, classes, or any other event that is related to the applicant’s job or professional development. Both Kansas and out-of-state programs are eligible for grants. Grants for tuition for college courses will generally not exceed 50% of the total tuition cost. In general, grants will not be awarded for programs which are sponsored and subsidized by the Northeast Kansas Library System.
2. Grants will be awarded on a first come first served basis, until all fund allotments are disbursed. Checks will be mailed to approved applicants on the day of the next regularly scheduled monthly Executive Committee Meeting following approval of the application.
3. When possible, applications should be submitted to the System office 45 days in advance of attendance dates.
4. First priority will be given to those qualified applicants who have never before received a System PD/CE Grant. Second priority will be given to those qualified applicants who have not received a grant during the preceding twelve months. When requests for grants exceed available funds, criteria for grants will include the relevance of the program, and the willingness and ability of the applicant or applicant’s library to pay some or all of the program costs.
5. Eligible grant expenses may include travel costs, registration fees, and tuition for academic classes. Grants awards may be for some or all of the amount requested.
6. Grant decisions will be made by the System Director according to the grant guidelines. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible after the decision is made.
7. Grant recipients may be requested to share information about the program attended with other NEKLS librarians, either through a newsletter article or a brief presentation at a System meeting or workshop.
8. If grant funds are received and the applicant is unable to attend the funded activity, the grant funds must be reimbursed to the System.