Rule 320-5-.05 - Definitions(1) Credit Hours. Credit accrues at a rate of one hour for each hour of actual contact. This shall be known as a contact hour or clock hour. Credit will not be allowed for any program which in its entirety, including question and answer periods, lasts less than thirty minutes. Credit will not be given for time spent in introductory remarks, coffee and luncheon breaks, meals, or business meetings where no organized course work is presented.(2) Categories. There are two (2) categories of continuing library education which cover the various activities for which credit may be granted. (a) Category 1. Organized course work or programs in library science or professional ethics. Included are seminars, short courses and workshops conducted or sponsored by public or private organizations, and sessions of professional library associations or conferences. A Category 1 activity must satisfy all of the following conditions:1. It constitutes an organized program of learning (including a meeting, workship or symposium) which contributes directly to the professional competency of librarians.2. It deals primarily with matters directly related to the practice of librarianship, professional responsibility, or ethical obligations of librarians. 3. It is conducted by librarians or individuals who have special education, training and experience by reason of which they can be considered experts in the subject matter of the program. (b)Category 2. Other organized course work or programs not specifically library or library-related but which are professionally enriching or directly benefiting the individual in his or her present position. Examples include general sessions of librarianship or other professional meetings or course work in areas such as computer science, business management, public relations, etc.(3) Correspondence courses and distance learning courses. Correspondence courses and independent study programs are permitted under Categories 1 and 2, if the course provides for interaction between the participants and the course administrator. This usually takes the form of periodic examinations and must be documented. Contact hours are assigned on the basis of the credits granted by the sponsoring organization.(4) Academic Programs. University and college taught courses taken in pursuit of a degree may be counted as Category 1 or 2, as long as that degree is not being obtained to meet the qualifications for certification up to the grade 5(b).Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 320-5-.05
O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-24-7.
Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Apr. 1, 2002; eff. Apr. 21, 2002.