The consortium of metropolitan libraries (cobimet), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening library services in puerto rico, will lead a professional development initiative that builds…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Cobimet, Inc. $197,952 on September 1, 2026, to lead a professional development initiative building artificial intelligence competencies for librarians across Puerto Rico under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313).

The project will deliver structured training through synchronous virtual workshops and online learning modules based on microlearning strategies to approximately 250 librarians representing about 53 libraries across Puerto Rico, including academic, school, public, and special libraries. The training addresses ethical, educational, and practical applications of AI technologies within library services.

Cobimet, Inc., a nonprofit consortium dedicated to strengthening library services in Puerto Rico, leads the initiative in collaboration with Libraries Without Borders, the Puerto Rico Library Association (Sociedad de Biblotecarios), the Puerto Rico Conservation and Restoration Center (CENCOR), and the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Performance takes place in Cayey, Puerto Rico. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028.

The consortium of metropolitan libraries (cobimet), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening library services in puerto rico, will lead a professional development initiative that builds artificial intelligence (AI) competencies. In collaboration with libraries without borders, the puerto rico library association (sociedad DE biblotecarios), the puerto rico conservation and restoration center (cencor), and the puerto rico department of education, the project will offer a structured training program aimed at approximately 250 librarians representing about 53 libraries across puerto rico. This community-centered implementation project will reach academic, school, public, and special libraries, through synchronous virtual workshops and online learning modules based on microlearning strategies. IT responds to the growing need for training in AI technologies and their ethical, educational, and practical applications within library services.