Professional Development

Definitions
Professional development activities include activities relevant to library science, information science, computer science, management, public administration, public relations, human relations, human resources, education or any other relevant subject areas as pre-approved by the employing library, employing library system or the State Education Department consisting of:
 * 1) Up to 60 hours of:
 * 2) Formal classes or courses
 * 3) Workshops
 * 4) E-courses
 * 5) Seminars
 * 6) Institutes
 * 7) Lectures
 * 8) State or national library association conference programs
 * 9) Any other program format or content as pre-approved by the employer or the State Education Department
 * 10) These 60 hours may include up to 12 hours of:
 * 11) Supervised internship(s) for which no academic credit is awarded.
 * 12) Instructional activities that include relevant content both created by and delivered by the public librarian professional certificate holder.
 * 13) A supervised professional development project in a relevant content area for which no academic credit is awarded.

As of January 1, 2010, New York State will require all new public librarian certification recipients to complete 60 hours of professional development every 5 years. (1)

New York State Approved Professional Development Agencies
New York State accepts professional development credit for public library certification given by the following institutions:


 * A university or college registered by the State Education Department or recognized by an approved regional or national accrediting agency.
 * A government agency
 * A state or national library association
 * A public library system
 * A reference and research library resources system
 * A school library system
 * Any other institution or provider as pre-approved by the employing library, employing library system, or the State Education Department. (2)

Resources
For upcoming professional development opportunites check out the following websites:
 * NYLA Institute: includes a schedule of upcoming courses, registration forms, and forms for interested parties to provide future courses.
 * NYLINE: New York State Library sponsored listserv that provides updates on all things relating to libraries in New York. Users must register. All registered useres can post to the group. The postings include job openings, upcoming professional development opportunties, and advice. Users have the option to browse the archives for previous updates.