Hoffmann moved, seconded by Wood, to approve the Youth Services Liaison Agreement between OWLS and Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library. OWLS has always reimbursed librarians for their mileage to attend system workshops. However, there has never been a formal policy that specifies when or for what OWLS will reimburse member library staff. OWLS has not generally reimbursed member library staff for attendance at computer training courses, OWLSnet AAC meetings, or committee meetings. However, an increasing number of librarians are requesting reimbursement for travel to these activities.
Local libraries have a responsibility to pay for the continuing education of their staffs.
Therefore, it seems logical for local libraries pay mileage for staff attendance at workshops or computer training courses. However, it is in OWLS interest for library staff to attend directors' meetings, AAC meetings, and committee meetings because OWLS schedules these meetings in order to solicit input from library staff. Therefore, it makes more sense for OWLS to pay mileage for attendance at meetings rather than for attendance at continuing education activities. Wood moved, seconded by Gilbert, to approve OWLS Mileage Reimbursement Policy. Every few years OWLS signs new membership agreements with member libraries.