TLA/NMRT/Quality Books Inc.
Professional Development Grant Guidelines

The purpose of the TLA/NMRT/Quality Books Inc. Professional Development Grant is to encourage professional development and participation by new professionals in TLA and NMRT activities. The grant provides assistance with expenses to attend the TLA Annual Conference up to the amount of $1,000. The grant is used to cover conference registration, travel expenses, lodging, and a $50 per diem. All TLA members in their first five years of professional life and TLA membership are eligible to apply for the grant.

The selection of any grant recipient rests solely with the Grant Committee. The Committee is composed of NMRT members and an ex officio member from Quality Books Inc. The Committee considers the following selection criteria in judging applications:

• Does the applicant show the ability or initiative to attend future conferences?
• How will the applicant use the experience gained at TLA in their library or local professional associations?
• Has the applicant been involved in other local or national professional associations?
• How would this grant opportunity benefit the applicant on the job?
• How might the grant boost the career and contributions of the applicant?
• What contribution would the applicant be likely to make to NMRT and/or TLA?
• Is the overall presentation of the application articulate and cogent?

The committee does not consider geographic location, type of library, position title, age, sex, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. Please do not hesitate to apply for the grant because you feel you have not done enough as a member of TLA. NMRT is interested in potential, and after all, the grant is for professional development of individuals new to their careers.