The new york botanical garden (nybg) will create a unified, mission-aligned professional development experience that strengthens both core museum and library competencies and emerging artificial…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the New York Botanical Garden $534,568 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to create a unified professional development experience that strengthens core museum and library competencies alongside emerging artificial intelligence (AI) readiness practices for NYBG staff. The project will deliver flexible in-person and virtual training sessions paired with self-paced recordings and job aids focused on AI literacy, knowledge stewardship, communication, and operational effectiveness. NYBG will develop department-specific training guidance and create a standardized set of training resources on responsible AI use, supported by an AI-enabled learning archive designed to help staff find, revisit, and apply guidance at the point of need while maintaining verification, privacy, and human oversight standards. Through this initiative, NYBG expects to expand staff knowledge and skills across AI literacy, digital literacy, leadership, and cross-departmental collaboration while improving staff performance, reducing rework, and strengthening retention. The award covers the period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028, with place of performance in the Bronx, New York.

The new york botanical garden (nybg) will create a unified, mission-aligned professional development experience that strengthens both core museum and library competencies and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) ready practices for nybg staff. The project will generate flexible, in-person, and virtual sessions paired with self-paced recordings and job aids, with the goal of building essential skills in AI literacy, knowledge stewardship, communication, and operational effectiveness. The project will provide structured guidance and support for department-specific training priorities and also create a standardized set of training resources on responsible AI use with an AI-supported learning archive, making IT easier for staff to find, revisit, and apply guidance at the point of need while maintaining verification, privacy, and human oversight standards. As a result of the project, nybg will expand staff knowledge and skills through tailored training in AI literacy, digital literacy, leadership, and cross-departmental collaboration while improving staff performance, reducing avoidable rework, and strengthening retention across the institution.