DUBLIN, Ohio, 10 September 2026—OCLC WebJunction®, in partnership with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), and representatives from seven state libraries, has been awarded a grant to update a public library competency framework. The updated framework will help library staff strengthen their knowledge and skills in today's evolving environment of AI-driven digital transformation, increased community service demands, and expanded workforce development responsibilities.

The 24-month, $299,807 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services will be used to update WebJunction's Competency Index for the Library Field, and design a set of credentials mapped to the Index. The project team will first conduct a study of current library competencies and credentials and document how they are used across the public library field, especially in small and rural libraries. The project will also be informed by WebJunction's recently developed Library Foundational Training (LiFT) core library skills training series, also funded by IMLS.

"Today's public library staff face a rapidly changing environment and are increasingly expected to deliver a widening array of high-impact services," said Andrew Harbison, WebJunction Director. "An updated competency framework, coupled with practical, competency-based credentials, can help address challenges faced by public libraries and their staff. We're grateful to IMLS for their support of this project."

OCLC's WebJunction program, which has been providing freely accessible learning resources such as courses, webinars, and other training material for over 20 years, will collaborate closely with ARSL and COSLA to align project goals, and to distribute and promote project results. The project deliverables will be made freely available through the WebJunction website.

"Libraries always strive to meet the evolving needs of their communities, and those needs help inform the skills and abilities required of library staff. Having a comprehensive and up-to-date competency index will be invaluable to the work of the libraries themselves, as well as for those of us who work behind the scenes in support of library professionals," said Kate Laughlin, ARSL Executive Director

First published in 2009, the Competency Index for the Library Field was updated through rigorous research and consultation with library staff and consultants in 2014, with funding from IMLS. The public library environment has continued to change dramatically since then, requiring review and updates to reflect current realities.

More about the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant is on the IMLS website.

About IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit https://www.imls.gov/ and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About ARSL

Association of Rural and Small Libraries builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.

About COSLA

Chief Officers of State Library Agencies is an independent organization of the chief officers of state and territorial agencies designated as the state library administrative agency and responsible for statewide library development.

About WebJunction

A program of OCLC Research, WebJunction equips library staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to power strong libraries that are the heart of vibrant communities. WebJunction is free and open for all libraries to use, regardless of size, type, or location.