Alice Bobb Brendel ‘67 Library Staff Development Fund and Phebe Parker Fund

Brown University Library has two endowments that are earmarked to support staff development.

The Alice Bobb Brendel ‘67 Library Staff Development fund was originated in the mid-1990s with a $25,000 memorial to honor a former Brown graduate and Library staff member. The fund has been increased by occasional additional donations. The annual income from the fund provides approximately $1000. Each year, the Library sponsors an annual Staff Development event and encourages attendance of all staff. Regionally or nationally recognized speakers have made presentations on topics ranging from the future of libraries, to customer service, to electronic books. The program is augmented with a time for staff to network with their colleagues and enjoy a continental breakfast buffet or similar refreshments. This has become a well-attended special annual event for staff which combines learning with collegiality and fond memories of a former colleague.

The Phebe Parker Fund is, similarly, an endowment established in 1953 from a gift of former Brown Head Cataloguer Phebe Parker. The gift explicitly stated that income from the fund was “to be used for the professional advancement of the Brown University Library staff”. This support is available to both librarians and non-librarians but, in recent years, preference has been given in awarding support to the non-professional staff. Approximately $3,000 is available in annual income to support attendance at work-related seminars, workshops, institutes, or conferences.

Additional financial support for staff development is provided through the Library’s base budget and occasional gifts; these funds support positions allocated to staff education, professional travel, the use of consultants to improve our work, and occasional speakers/trainers. The University also provides tuition support through an Employee Education Program which “allows eligible employees to achieve professional growth and greater job satisfaction by enrolling in degree programs, job-related courses, or management certificate programs. Courses may be taken at Brown University, accredited institutions outside of Brown and/or the Brown Learning Community [adult ed]”.

Prepared by: Rayana Bowlby, Organizational & Staff Development Officer