Substitute Program

Eligible Libraries: Academic libraries and Public libraries with a population of less than 2,500 (Service Center I) are eligible for this SEKLS service. Libraries with a single employee, regardless of population, may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Public libraries with a population of more than 2,500 may be eligible for support on special projects.

Resources Allocated: The position is available 15 hours per week. Payroll expenses are covered by SEKLS. This is an alternative to the Small Library Attendance Support Grant.

Program Description:

To support member libraries, the Executive Board of the Southeast Kansas Library System approved a new SEKLS part-time substitute position.
The primary role of this person is to work as a substitute employee at a member library when the Director or key staff need to be out of the building for a single day.
Occasionally, a public library Board may request that this person serve in a limited capacity as Interim Director.
Any member library may request support for special projects, such as weeding or inventory. Approval depends on availability and will be reviewed by the System Director on a case-by-case basis.

Details:

The Substitute is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The System Director provides final approval of requests.
Requests will be made directly to the System Director with at least two (2) weeks prior notice.
Emergency requests made less than two (2) weeks in advance need to be made directly to the System Director for review.
Details will be provided through this online Substitute Information Form.
Any single library may request the Substitute up to three (3) times per year, unless a waiver is provided.
This position may work at the library no more than once per week.
When serving as an Interim Director, the Library Board is responsible for all financial matters and must be actively seeking to fill the vacant position. As Interim Director, the Substitute may work at the library once per week to address immediate needs, but day-to-day operations are the responsibility of the Board.

Restrictions:

As a pilot program for the system, the guidelines are subject to change.

Priority is given when the Substitute is used to cover attendance to a continuing education activity by the library director. When available, the Substitute may be used to cover a vacation or planned medical leave.

This position may not be used to have an “extra” staff member, except when approved to help with a special project.