The university of north texas, college of information will strengthen the capacity of public librarians to navigate complex, emotionally sensitive, and technology-mediated service interactions,…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of North Texas, College of Information, $736,816 under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) on September 1, 2026, to develop an on-demand artificial intelligence–powered training platform for public librarians.

The project will produce three deliverables: an AI-powered platform enabling librarians to practice diverse service scenarios in a safe, structured environment; evaluated and transferable training modules; and a national set of best-practice guidelines for ethical AI use in professional development. The platform and modules address four core skill domains—interpersonal skills, digital literacy support, traditional library knowledge, and management and advocacy—to strengthen librarians' capacity to navigate complex, emotionally sensitive, and technology-mediated service interactions. By reframing generative AI as a tool for experiential learning rather than automation, the project aims to enhance workforce preparedness, strengthen professional resilience, and improve the overall quality and sustainability of public library services nationwide.

Work is performed in Denton, Texas. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. This is a Project Grant assistance type awarded to a public research university–affiliated research organization within the University of North Texas, acting as the prime recipient.

The university of north texas, college of information will strengthen the capacity of public librarians to navigate complex, emotionally sensitive, and technology-mediated service interactions, enhance workforce preparedness, and contribute to the overall quality and resilience of public library services nationwide through research and innovation. The project will produce an on-demand artificial intelligence (AI)-powered training platform that enables librarians to practice diverse service scenarios in a safe, structured environment; evaluated and transferable training modules; and a national set of best-practice guidelines for ethical AI use in professional development. By reframing generative AI as a tool for experiential learning rather than automation, the study will better prepare librarians to support diverse community needs, strengthen professional resilience, and promote sustainable, high-quality public library services. The project is founded on organized librarian lifelong training around core skill domains: interpersonal skills, digital literacy support, traditional library knowledge, and management and advocacy.