Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Inc

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries will turn its pilot “Library 101” workshops into an annual, competency-based certification program for new and early career staff in small and rural public libraries. The project will develop modular training focused on core librarianship, leadership, and community service skills tailored to low staffed, resource constrained settings. ARSL will test and refine the model through conference-based cohorts, coaching, and ongoing evaluation of participant learning and practice change. The result will be a sustainable national credential, recognized by partners and supported by a sliding scale cost model, that strengthens the rural library workforce and improves services for rural residents.