Columbus metropolitan library (CML), in collaboration with university libraries at the ohio state university and aspyr workforce innovation, will address the need for a replicable artificial…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Columbus Metropolitan Library $271,124 on September 1, 2026, under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) to develop a replicable artificial intelligence fluency training model for public library staff.

Columbus Metropolitan Library, in collaboration with University Libraries at The Ohio State University and Aspyr Workforce Innovation, will adapt academic library AI workshops for public library use and deliver them to a cohort of 25 CML employees. Each cohort member will design a pilot AI program and train additional library staff members. The project will produce an open-source AI playbook for use by libraries nationwide. The work addresses the growing need for public library staff to build competency with AI tools—both to use them responsibly in daily operations and to guide community members in navigating AI technologies.

Performance occurs in Columbus, Ohio, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027.

Columbus metropolitan library (CML), in collaboration with university libraries at the ohio state university and aspyr workforce innovation, will address the need for a replicable artificial intelligence (AI) fluency training model for public library staff. Public libraries are confronting a rapidly growing need to strengthen staff competency with AI, not only to understand IT well enough to use IT responsibly in their daily work, but to guide community members in navigating AI tools. The project will adapt academic library workshops for public library use and make them available to a cohort of 25 CML employees, who will each design a pilot AI program and train other library staff members. The cohort will also produce an open-source AI playbook for use by libraries nationwide.