The Hall County Library System is committed to recruiting, training and retaining the most competent personnel available. Opportunities for staff development are provided to employees of the system. Staff members are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities outside the system as the library’s schedule and budget permits. 

Full time staff members are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education per year. Part time staff members will have their continuing education hours pro-rated based upon the number of hours worked. Upon completion of a continuing education activity, the employee will submit appropriate documentation to Human Resources. This will be included in the employee’s personnel file and factored in their annual performance review. The annual performance review should also list any specific training the employee is requested to complete during the upcoming year. 

The Hall County Library offers an annual training day for all staff, organized around current library needs. This is a mandatory training session for all staff; anyone unable to attend must have their absence approved in advance by the Library Director.  In addition, at least one online training session must be completed annually. Other examples of continuing education credits include but are not limited to: 

• Computer workshops
• Conference attendance 

• College coursework in library and information science
• Other college or vocational coursework that would improve the staff member’s job-related skills (to be approved by supervisor)
• Drug Free Workplace education
• Online training through such organizations as Webjunction
• Workshops sponsored by library organizations such as Georgia Public Library Service, North Georgia Associated Libraries, Lyrasis, or Public Library Association

• Specific training developed for an employee by library administration or supervisor

Employees enrolled in an accredited college or university seeking an undergraduate degree will receive one hour of continuing education credit for every class credit hour passed. Employees enrolled in an accredited college or university seeking an MLIS degree will receive five hours of continuing education credit for every class credit hour passed. At the discretion of the staff member’s supervisor, one hour of credit for pertinent vocational classes may also be given. Official documentation of passing grades will need to be submitted for credit to be granted.

Staff members who wish to attend workshops offsite should complete a Travel Authorization Form, which should be approved by their supervisor and the Library Director. Time spent at continuing education events is part of the staff member’s scheduled workday. For more specific information, please see Employee Travel Policy.