Nora Van Burgh began her career in Wyoming libraries as a student assistant in the Natrona County High School Library. She received her Master's of Library Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1978 and was employed at Casper College for many years. A strong believer in lifelong learning, she served on the Wyoming Library Association's Continuing Education Committee. WLA created the Professional Development Grants in 1985 and changed the award name in 1991 to honor her memory.

The WLA Executive Board has established a program to provide funding assistance to those who wish to enhance their effectiveness as library employees through additional educational experience. Non-degreed library employees, a majority of the WLA membership, are particularly encouraged to apply, though any current member of WLA may apply.

Application Criteria
The applicant must have been a member of the Wyoming Library Association for at least two years, be a resident of Wyoming, and be employed in a Wyoming library.

Grant Conditions

• The monies available for grants will be determined during each budget session of the WLA Executive Board. Typically, no more than $1,000 in grants are awarded in one year.
• Individuals may apply for grants for continuing education activities, workshops, seminars, exchanges, and conferences, as well as for appropriate college and university courses which can be shown to relate directly to one's effectiveness in a library position.
• Deadline for applications is June 15. Applications may be to support a projected activity or for reimbursement of an activity occurring since July 1 of the previous year.
• All money will be awarded at the discretion of the Awards/Grants Committee.
• An individual who receives a grant may not apply again for three years.
• In order to share the information and experience with the general membership, a written report is required of all grantees, with the understanding that the committee may request an appropriate oral or visual presentation at the WLA annual conference or other place deemed by the committee to be appropriate. The report must be submitted or made available for use by the Awards/Grants Committee within six months of the completion of the event.
• Should the conditions of the grant not be met, no further consideration will be given to that individual for any grant or association recommendation.

• The grant request meets stated guidelines.
  
• The applicant's goal(s) are clearly stated, including anticipated benefits for personal growth and for the library. (25 points)
• The amount requested is appropriate, reasonable, adequate, and justifiable to support the stated goals. (25 points)
• The applicant states measures to determine success and effectiveness of the project. (25 points)
• The effort includes a plan to publicize the grant. (10 points)