Library Associate Graduation Fall 2024

On November 6, 2024, five of our Library Associates completed their final session of the Library Associate Training Institute.  The graduation ceremony was held at the Miller Branch of Howard County Public Library, and the graduates presented their capstone projects and received their certificates.  

Morgan Miller (MD State Librarian), Donovan Bunting, Vivian Fisher, Paul Chasen,

Zshekinah Collier, Anjanette Wiggins, Kate Kilner-Pontone, Ray Byers, Matt Akras, Eben Dennis

The program also included remarks by Maryland State Librarian Morgan Miller, MLA president Teonja Jung, and a keynote from Dr. Mark Winston, CEO of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.

In addition to our staff, there were graduates from Baltimore County, Charles County, Frederick County, PGCMLS, Washington County, Western MD Regional, and a suprising number of graduates from the Howard County system.  

Tours of the Miller branch were available and a hearty lunch was provided.  

Library Associate Training Institute - EESP and Advance LAT

 The LATI team has put together a video which reviews the basics of the LATI program, and explains the differences between the Early Start program (EESP) and the Advanced LAT program.  You can view the program on YouTube here:  Difference between EESP and Advanced LATI - YouTube.

In this video, we describe the differences in content and approach for the Expanded Early Start Program of LATI (EESP) which is 30 hours asynchronous online, and the Advanced LATI program, which is 60 hours and a hybrid mix of synchronous, online, and as possible, in-person.

You might need to change your browser if you use Chrome.  YouTube functions better on Microsoft Edge.

LATI updates

The LATI oversight committee and new coordinator have upgraded LATI and created a wonderful new program for our library associates.  If you are unfamiliar with LATI or haven't heard about changes I hope you find this information helpful.

LATI is a state-mandated training program the library associates must complete within two years of their hire date.  It is also connected to participation in the State retirement system

The new program is divided into two sections:

1.   The Expanded Early Start Program (EESP): a 12 week, self-directed, online program based on OpenLMS which should be completed within 120 days of hire.

2.   Advanced LATI:  a 9 week, blending learning course combining face-to-face sessions, virtual synchronous sessions and online homework and reflection. The virtual and online components are offered through OpenLMS.

LAs are now registered for EESP as soon as they are hired and once EESP is finished they are registered for the Advanced LAT.  Currently, all LATI programs are being held virtually.

I also wanted to share the information that with the new program, non-LAs are now eligible for the  Expanded Early Start Program. With supervisor approval, non LA staff members may participate in  EESP which focuses on learning about your library, model reference behavior, and basic resources for reference questions.  Non-LAs are not eligible for Advanced LATI at this time.

On the Forms page of the blog I've posted a brief presentation with more details and a link to the current LATI handbook.

LATI fall participants graduate

On 4/17/19, five EPFL library associates completed their required Library Associate Training Institute program.  The graduation program was held at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library System.  

Pictured are (left to right) Emilie Pichot, Suzanne Phillips, Stephanie Mavor, Ariel Greenaway, and Cicely Roberts.