Introduction

One way to improve our agility and flexibility as individuals and as an organization is to foster an on-going learning environment throughout our library.

The Development/Learning Plan's main purpose is to identify and develop the skills, knowledge and/or attributes that will improve our individual and organizational capabilities now and in the near future, to achieve the mission of the Library as identified in the Performance Appraisal.

What is the Development/Learning Plan?

As a result of the Library's strategic planning initiatives, the learning plan has been further defined as:

· A planning tool to develop and guide learning activities that enhance our capabilities to carry out the mission of the Library. It is designed to leverage a continuum of learning activities.

· A complementary program that funds learning activities not covered by:
   - The Library's professional travel program (M&P)
   - University's tuition assistance program.

Note: Learning Plan funds may be used for conference registration, however should not be used for travel, meals, or hotel expenses.

Beinecke, Forestry, Law, Lewis Walpole, and Medical will fund training activities for staff in their respective units. All other units will submit funding requests to the Library Business Office (LBO), SML.

· A mutual agreement between managers and staff that on-going learning on the part of staff members of all levels is crucial to the successful achievement of our library's mission.

Managers play a key role in developing this on-going learning environment and in inspiring their staff to develop skills in new ways.