The george a. Smathers libraries at the university of florida will address challenges related to the growing demand for data competencies to support research needs across academic libraries

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of Florida's George A. Smathers Libraries $398,900 on September 1, 2026, under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) to develop data competencies training for academic librarians.

The recipient will identify data and research competencies critical to librarianship, develop a competency framework spanning multiple librarian roles, deliver instruction in these competencies to library professionals, and evaluate the training's effectiveness and impact. The planning grant targets academic librarians and library faculty and staff at academic institutions, including smaller colleges and under-resourced campuses, equipping them with skills to provide data services and support the entire research lifecycle.

Performance takes place in Gainesville, Florida from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2028. This is assistance funding under the Project Grant assistance type.

The planning grant will identify data and research competencies important to librarianship, develop a competency framework for a spectrum of librarian roles, provide instruction in these competencies to library professionals, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of training in these competencies. Beneficiaries will include academic librarians, library faculty and staff at academic institutions (including smaller colleges and under-resourced campuses), who will be equipped with skills to provide data services. IT will empower library professionals to both support and actively engage in the entire research lifecycle, thereby enhancing research quality and outcomes.