PLA Sponsors a Train-the-Trainer Program for The New Planning for Results: A Streamlined Approach
Download the application in Microsoft Word document here.
Overview
The Public Library Association (PLA) plays a major role in providing the tools and training required to enhance the development and effectiveness of public librarians and public library services. During the past five years, PLA has provided support for the development of a family of publications known as the Results series. These books are being used by library managers, staff, and boards around the country to manage the libraries in their communities more effectively. They provide a fully integrated approach to planning and resource allocation, an approach that is focused on managing change.
The New Planning for Results: A Streamlined Approach provides the foundation for the books in the Results series. PLA and Sandra Nelson—a consultant, speaker, and trainer in public library planning and management issues and the publication’s author—are presenting a training program designed to help library managers and consultants learn to train library staff to use The New Planning for Results. In April 2002 individuals will participate in this train-the-trainer program and become available to libraries and library systems nationwide as resources. The following provides specific information on the training program.
When and where will the training program be held?
When: April 22–25, 2002
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
What is the project timeline?
Deadline for receipt of application: March 1, 2002. Formal application forms can be accessed from the PLA Web site. They can also be requested from the PLA office at 800-545-2433, ext 5PLA.
Deadline for notification of applicants of acceptance or rejection: March 8, 2002.
Training program: Monday, April 22, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. through Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 5:00 pm.
Who are the main audiences for The New Planning for Results Train-the-Trainer Program?
- State library consultants;
- System/regional library staff;
- Independent consultants who need to understand The New Planning for Results to train working librarians to use the process or to assist them with their planning processes; and
- Library managers and staff development personnel who are responsible for introducing library staff to the planning process or facilitating the planning process in their libraries.
How will trainers be chosen?
Individuals with significant experience in the design and implementation of training programs for public library professionals are most likely to be accepted into the program. State library training staff, library consultants, or working librarians with training responsibilities or noteworthy speaking or program planning experience are strongly encouraged to submit an application. Applicants should have the time, enthusiasm, and personal or institutional financial commitment (see below) to successfully participate in the program.
Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s experience with public library planning efforts, a description of his or her personal training style, and the applicant’s experience designing training programs for public library staff. The process is competitive, and only 25 trainers will be chosen.
What are the program commitments of trainers?
Trainers must commit to purchasing and reading The New Planning for Results before the training program begins.
Trainers must attend the training program, which will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 22 through April 25, 2002. Participants will be expected to be in Nashville by 5:00 p.m. on April 22 to attend the opening program and dinner. They will also be expected to attend the full-day programs on April 23, 24, and 25. The program will be over at 5:00 p.m. on April 25.
Following the program, trainers must commit to presenting at least three training programs on The New Planning for Results by December 31, 2003, and to providing the PLA office with brief reports on each training session held.
What are the program costs for the participants?
There is no registration fee for trainers selected to attend this program.
PLA will provide three nights’ lodging (April 22, 23, 24), breakfasts, lunches, and conference materials.
Each trainer is responsible for his or her travel to Nashville, dinners, lodging the night of April 25 if necessary, and any incidental expenses.
What are the benefits of becoming a trainer?
PLA staff regularly receive requests for trainers in a variety of areas, and interest in training for The New Planning for Results is expected to continue to be high for several years. PLA will respond to these requests by encouraging library professionals to consult the list of trainers and contact them to arrange presentations. The list of official PLA trainers on The New Planning for Results will also be posted on the PLA Web site. In addition, trainers can be proactive and offer their services to ALA chapters, state library agencies, and other groups. While trainers do not receive compensation from PLA, they are granted rights to use the training materials and are free to charge for the presentations they make.
Additional questions should be directed to Sandra Nelson at sandra.nelson@worldnet.att.net.