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G2S Project Code: 2014-MD-74254
State: Maryland
Fiscal Year: 2014
Grantee
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY SYSTEM

Project Director
Director Name: Kathleen Teaze
Director Phone: 301-699-3500 ext. 6224
Director Email: kathleen.teaze@pgcmls.info
General Information
Title: Library Associate Training Institute
State Project Code: Subgrants
Start Date: 10/01/2014
End Date: 09/30/2015
Abstract: The Library Associate Training Institute (LATI) provided tools, techniques, information, ideas, and practice opportunities for Library Associates to enhance and develop their professional competencies, facilitating exceptional customer service for Maryland library customers.
State Goal: Statewide Initiative: Staff Development
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$42,079.00
$0.00
$0.00
$42,079.00
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Certification
Library Skills
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Library Associate Training Institute (LATI)
Narrative: According to Maryland law, Library Associates are required to complete 90 hours of approved in-service training within the first two years of their appointment to a Library Associate position. (COMAR 13A.05.04.03, COMAR 22.04.03.06). LATI, a 90-hour competency-based program, used blended learning delivery to provide Library Associates with the pre-requisite skills to meet this requirement. 

Library Associates participated in six face-to-face classes (5.5 hours each), eight live online learning sessions (1.25 hour each), and completed independent assignments (49 hours total). Two cohorts of Library Associates graduated during the grant period; the fall 2014 program had 29 participants, and the spring 2015 cohort had 30.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 195
Number of sessions in program: 14
Average number in attendance per session: 30
Number of times program administered: 2


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 27
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Upon completion of the LATI program, Library Associates were prepared: 1. To contribute to consistent, high quality customer service experiences across the state. 2. Were knowledgeable about print, online and statewide library resources, and used successful reference behaviors. 3. Were prepared to deliver multiple types of library service, including readers advisory and programming. 4. Understood the principles and value of public libraries and the library profession. 5. Had increased confidence and competence in working with library users 6. Had a network of support to assist them in serving the public.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
Please see the attachment of LATI graduates’ responses to the online program evaluation survey.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Survey
Interview/Focus Group
Participant Observation
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:

Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
No
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
No
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThe Library Associate Training Institute (LATI) was an exemplary statewide project because it involved and engaged a large number of people in the Maryland library community, thus creating many stakeholders in the program’s ongoing success. For example: • The training was developed by a team representing Maryland library directors, staff development coordinators, the state library agency, and experienced librarians, culminating in broad agreement about both the program’s content and delivery. • An Oversight Committee representing library administrators, staff development coordinators, and practicing librarians worked closely with LATI project staff to make sure the program continued to meet public libraries’ needs. Committee members were appointed by the state librarian, ensuring both larger and smaller libraries throughout the state were represented. • Maryland is geographically small, which allowed participants to travel and attend a limited number of face-to-face sessions. Regional libraries were willing to support travel for those who had to stay overnight. • Project staff made creative use of online tools and blended learning environments to deliver training in a cost-effective manner—a wiki, video tutorials, polls and surveys, Google hangouts, and an online classroom were all utilized. • Trainers included some of the best practitioners in the state who aimed for continuous improvement in delivering the training. They were often paired with teammates who complemented their skills. Trainers received feedback and coaching after each class. • LATI participants’ supervisors played a major role in coaching their staff through the training and providing feedback on some assignments. The supervisors received a separate orientation which included strategies to enhance transfer-of-training opportunities. • A network of 60 librarians from around the state volunteered and read participants’ assignments and provided them with feedback in a timely manner. These feedback providers were oriented to the LATI program and received ongoing support.
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