The Library Associate Training Institute (LATI ) is a comprehensive, 12-week program designed to meet the training needs for new library associates (LAs) from Maryland's 24 public library systems and 3 regional libraries. LAs are Maryland public library staff with bachelor's degrees. Within two years from date of appointment, LAs are required to receive 60 hours of approved in-service training in order to meet state certification requirements. Library Associates must be enrolled by their employers. Maryland LAs who are interested in LATI should contact their supervisors.

The LA “provides support services requiring rudimentary knowledge of library service, the library collections, and the policies and regulations governing the library.” Examples of LA job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Helping customers of all ages locate information
• Assisting in the preparation and presentation of programs to people of all ages;
• Assisting in the review, selection and creation of library resources
• Providing readers’ advisory services
• Providing outreach and special services
• Assisting customers use technology

LATI provides tools, techniques, information and ideas, and practice opportunities for LAs to enhance and grow their professional competencies in providing information, readers’ advisory, programs and other services to individuals who represent the diversity of Maryland’s public library customers.

Using a “blended, holistic, accelerated learning” approach LATI begins and ends with two face-to-face sessions, each held over consecutive days. In between these sessions, LAs participate in learning activities—fieldwork– conducted “on-the-job” and via the Internet, in synchronous and asynchronous online sessions, individually and with teammates.

Activities, presentations by subject-area specialists, and practices focus on the following content areas:

• Communication behaviors used in providing customer service
• Coaching as a learning tool
• Public library service in the 21st Century
• Techniques and strategies for:
• Analyzing and evaluating information resources: print, electronic, audio/video, and human
• Providing readers’ advisory
• Planning and presenting intergenerational programs

Fieldwork includes:

• Practicing and coaching the Model Communication Behaviors;
• Examining the resources in LA’s branch and system;
• Participating in online sessions and posting to the LATI message board ;
• Connecting with team-mates to share ideas, experiences and collaborate on team assignments;
• Monitoring and reflecting on personal learning and growth.

Showcase Project

LAs are required to create and present a project at the Showcase. The project is a detailed proposal designed to benefit the LA’s library (branch and/or system) customers-external, internal or both. Final approval of LA’s project idea is granted by LA’s supervisor. Note: LA’s project need not be implemented before the Showcase.

Outcomes

Upon completion of LATI, LAs are able to:

1. Take responsibility for continued personal learning, devise strategies and techniques for improving performance skills, model self-directed learning for colleagues and initiate coaching conversations.
2. Provide customer-focused service, create a personal customer service strategy toolkit; give complete and accurate answers to customers’ information and reference queries and develop strategies for handling difficult and challenging questions, situations and customers.
3. Develop and use strategies to examine reference tools, find information and assist readers to select appropriate materials.
4. Plan and present intergenerational programs.
5. Identify and discuss some of the trends and issues related to public libraries in the 21st Century.
6. Use Internet tools to enhance communication and deliver customer services.
7. Work, learn, collaborate and self-manage within a team structure.
8. Create, plan and present a customer-focused project proposal.