FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026
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Maryland State Library Agency Invests More Than $1 Million
Annually in Maryland’s Library Workforce
Statewide training and federal funding strengthen library services for communities across Maryland
BALTIMORE — Every day, Marylanders visit their local library for everything from finding a job and learning new technology to helping a child learn to read or starting a small business. Behind every one of those interactions is a skilled library professional. The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) ensures these library professionals have the training and support they need to serve their communities.
Through more than $1 million annually in staff development investments, including federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), statewide training programs, professional conferences, and direct grants to public library systems, MSLA provides library staff across Maryland with opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills.
"Marylanders deserve exceptional library service no matter where they live," said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr. "Whether someone walks into a library in Garrett County or Prince George's County, they should encounter knowledgeable, well-prepared staff who can connect them with the resources they need. Investing in Maryland's library workforce is ultimately an investment in every community we serve."
This year, MSLA awarded $554,910 in staff development grants to Maryland’s 24 public library systems and Regional Resource Centers. These grants give local libraries the flexibility to invest in training that addresses the unique needs of their communities, from conference attendance and specialized instruction to new technologies and emerging service models. Since 2021, Maryland libraries have received more than $3.28 million through the program.
MSLA's commitment to workforce development extends well beyond grant funding. The Agency offers year-round webinars and workshops on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and digital literacy to customer service and community engagement, while also convening statewide conferences and summits that allow library professionals to learn from one another and share innovative practices.
For library systems, particularly smaller and rural communities, these investments make a meaningful difference.
“These trainings mean that people who walk through the doors of a library in Garrett County can expect and receive the same high level of service and access to resources that they would in a large city library,” said Thomas Vose, director of the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County. “These trainings are critical to supporting the changing needs of our community.”
Library Associate Training Institute (LATI)
Another cornerstone of MSLA's workforce development efforts is the Library Associate Training Institute (LATI), which prepares library associates with the professional knowledge and customer service skills needed to serve Maryland communities. Since its inception, more than 1,250 library professionals have completed the program (including 198 in the current fiscal year), helping build a strong pipeline of skilled library workers and future library leaders.
“Having LATI graduates on staff means that we have a cadre of people with deep knowledge of customer service skills and information resources,” said Tonya Aikens, Director and CEO of the Howard County Library system. “People who graduate from LATI are committed to meeting the needs of anyone who walks through our doors.”
By law, all Maryland 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. The LATI program fulfills this requirement. Library associates participate in face-to-face sessions, live online learning sessions, independent work, and coaching sessions with their supervisors during the 14-week program.
“LATI equips library associates with essential professional skills while creating meaningful connections across Maryland’s library community,” said Sheila McDuff, deputy director of Frederick County Public Library and head of the LATI Oversight Committee. “Graduates leave with stronger skills, greater confidence, and a deeper commitment to serving their communities. The program not only supports excellent customer service today but also helps cultivate the next generation of library leaders.”
As libraries continue to serve as community hubs for learning, technology, workforce development, and civic life, MSLA's statewide approach to staff development helps ensure that every Marylander benefits from knowledgeable, confident, and highly trained library professionals.
"Maryland's libraries evolve with the needs of the communities they serve," Lehr said. "Whether the challenge is helping someone navigate online government services, supporting a new entrepreneur, or introducing a child to the joy of reading, our staff need opportunities to continuously learn and grow. That's exactly what these investments make possible."
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