Oclc will partner with the association of rural and small libraries, the chief officers of state library agencies, and representatives from seven state library agencies, to define and promote…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded OCLC, Inc., $599,614 on September 1, 2026, under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) to define and promote competencies and credentials for public library staff.

OCLC will partner with the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and representatives from seven state library agencies to conduct a field scan of competency and credential sets currently in use, update and modernize an existing competency index, design a competency-based set of credentials mapped to that index, and identify content coverage gaps to inform a content development roadmap. The project reflects the realities of 21st-century public library work, which faces a rapidly evolving environment driven by digital transformation, increased community service demands, and expanded workforce development responsibilities. The work builds on previous library competencies research.

Performance occurs in Dublin, Ohio, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. The award is structured as a project grant, the assistance type under LB21 for training, professional development, and workforce capacity-building in library and archives professions.

Oclc will partner with the association of rural and small libraries, the chief officers of state library agencies, and representatives from seven state library agencies, to define and promote current competencies and credentials for public library staff. The project will include a field scan of competency and credential sets currently in use, update and modernize an existing competency index, design a competency-based set of credentials mapped to this index, and identify content coverage gaps to inform a content development roadmap. These elements will reflect the realities of 21ST-century public library work, which faces a rapidly evolving environment driven by digital transformation, increased community service demands, and expanded workforce development responsibilities. The project builds on previous work in library competencies.