The Library's priority is to influence national library development, especially on issues of strategic importance to the library, and enhance the professional reputation of the staff. In this category, priority may be given to those contributing substantively to such activities. B. Professional Development travel is approved by the Department Chair. C. Professional Development travel is reimbursed at the standard funding level established each year. Exceptions are made when travel is outside the continental United States.
Financial support is based on available funds.
When prioritizing Professional Development travel funding requests, the Department Chair makes decisions based on knowledge of the value of attendance at the meeting to the Department and the Library. Department Chairs consider the staff member's priority ranking of requests, but this ranking is not binding upon the Chair who attempts to balance attendance at meetings to obtain the greatest advantage to the department and libraries. Commitment of state funds requires justification demonstrating that participation benefits the state. There are occasions in which the professional benefit is not directly related to the employees responsibilities. In such cases, the Department Chair may approve release time but not approve commitment of state funds.