The questions on this page have frequently been asked by library directors about the Per Capita State Aid Regulations. We have gathered the answers here and will update this page as more questions are asked in the future.
Do employees that work very few hours need to complete the full number of training hours required in NJAC 15:21-2.6?
Yes, all employees on the library payroll need to complete the required number of training/professional development hours. One exception is for temporary or seasonal employees that work very few hours per year. These employees may not be counted towards the professional development/training requirement if they are also not counted towards total employee hours per year on the Annual Survey. Please note, the training does not need to take place all at once and can include existing or previously scheduled job-related training.
Are employees that work in non-traditional library positions, such as bookkeepers or custodians, required to complete the same training as other library employees?
Yes, all employees on the library payroll need to complete the required number of training hours. The training/professional development can include existing or already scheduled job-related training.
Are ex-officio board members (Mayor and Superintendent) required to complete the two hours of training per year that other board members must complete? Are alternates also required to complete the two hours of training per year?
Yes, ex-officio members are required to complete two hours of training per year. Training or professional development that ex-officio members receive as part of their elected office or other position count towards the training hours. This may include attendance at professional conferences. Alternates must also complete the two hours of training per year.
If a staff member works in multiple libraries how does that affect the number of training hours they need?
The training/professional development hours “follow the employee” from library to library. So if a person works at Library A and gets 4 hours of training there, those hours also count towards the total for Library B, and should be reported to Library B.
If an employee is hired late in the calendar year do they still have to complete the required training?
Yes, but please note that new hire training, or “on boarding”, can be counted towards the total hours of library-related training an employee must have each year.