Oclc will partner with the idaho commission for libraries to develop a free online continuing education program for public library staff

This Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) will provide $642,656 to OCLC, Inc. to partner with the Idaho Commission for Libraries to develop a free online continuing education program for public library staff. The project will replace an outdated training series and result in a new program covering core library services such as collection development, cataloging, and programming. The primary beneficiaries will be public library staff, especially at small and rural libraries, with the goal of enrolling 3,000 library workers nationally in the new training courses over the 3-year award period ending on July 31, 2027. This grant aligns with the program's objective to support the development of a diverse library workforce capable of meeting evolving community information needs.

The project will replace an outdated series and result in a training series for library staff on core library services such as collection development, collection maintenance, cataloging, and delivery of programming and services that are responsive to community needs. The primary beneficiaries are public library staff, with an emphasis on staff at small and rural libraries who may be without access to formal, comprehensive training. State library agency staff and library system trainers who seek timely and relevant resources for training and professional development of their library workforces will also benefit. By the end of the project, 3,000 library staff nationally will have enrolled in one or more courses to build and strengthen their expertise.