[Anchasl-l] Use of personal time for professional development activities

[Martha Preddie]

Colleagues,

Please excuse cross listing.

I work in a one person medical library and I am employed there through
a  company that has a contract to provide medical library services.  I
am seeking to find out what the practices are for librarians working in
a similar capacity in terms of attendance at library conferences and
continuing education courses.  

I was recently told by the contracting company that I should use my own
personal time to attend such events.  Prior to this I was allowed to
attend once the organization (ie hospital) agreed to pay for my time
just as if I was actually at work in the library.   Please note that I
have always funded the costs of attending conferences and continuing
education courses.  Additionally, in my  job description it is stated
that my duties and responsibilities include engaging in professional
development activities.   

I would like to know how this is handled in similar libraries.  Are
there any policies outlined by MLA? Do hospital librarians get a fixed
number of hours per year for professional development activities?  Do
they find themselves ever having to utilize their vacation/personal
time.  

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.


Martha Preddie
Medical Librarian
Dip. Lib., MBA., MSLS.
Federal Medical Center,
Old Highway 75
Butner, NC 27509.
mpreddie at bop.gov
919-575-3900 ext 5190
919-575-4809 (fax)