Continuing Education Credits: What Counts, What Doesn’t?

Library-specific training provided by library or library-related organizations that is presented in a structured learning situation is eligible for continuing education credits.

Useful/valuable training is:

  • Focused on learning and the learner. A valuable session imparts knowledge or skills that can be used to improve library services. The session will incorporate a variety of exercises and teaching styles that address the needs of different types of learners.
  • Engaging. The student is interested and excited about the material and wants to learn more about the topic.
  • Mentally stimulating. The student is challenged to learn a new skill or a different way of thinking.
  • Relevant. The student is learning a topic or skill that will be useful professionally.

Criteria for what counts:

  • Is it training that is presented in a structured learning situation?
  • Is it library specific?
  • How does it help you do your job better?
  • Does it address one or more of the competencies that you need to know to do your job?

There are many ways and opportunities to learn, but in general eligible training is not:

  • Meetings
  • Archived webinars that are older than 1 year
  • Courses that are not relevant to the library such as safe driving or other safety training
  • Yoga
  • Software training for products that are not library-specific
  • CPR/first aid
  • Job/employee orientations
  • Author talks
  • Vendor demonstrations

Examples of training venues that would be eligible for continuing education credit are:

  • Montana Library Association conferences and retreats.
  • Online courses from library support services providers such as OCLC, WebJunction, BCR
  • Online and in person courses provided by Montana State Library
  • Regional, national, and international library association conferences, retreats, and workshops
  • Staff training days presented at your library