ALA Home  SEFLIN Enters Cooperative Training Project

Volume24, Number 4, 2002

SEFLIN Enters Cooperative Training Project with Public Libraries/Library Systems

The Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) announces Training for 21st Century Libraries, a new cooperative training project with eighteen southeast Florida libraries/library systems. Funded through a grant awarded by the State Library of Florida from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, public library staff will receive a wide range of training on assisting the public in using technology.

"We are pleased to recognize that the Gates Foundation has again provided a generous donation to Southeast Florida public libraries," stated Zenaida Fernandez, President of the SEFLIN Board of Directors. "From giving public access computers, to funding this training program for library staff, the Gates Foundation has provided extraordinary support for public libraries."

Training for 21st Century Libraries is an innovative technology-based program offering a wide range of training in computer applications, management, and library specific topics. SEFLIN is recognized nationally for its expertise in providing a fully-integrated library training program, which combines instructor-led and web-based continuing education and training courses and workshops for library staff in Southeast Florida.

"What makes this project unique," says Tom Sloan, SEFLIN Executive Director, "is that for the first time, thirteen municipal public libraries are joining five county public library systems to participate in a joint training project. We applaud the cooperative spirit of these libraries and library systems."

Libraries/library systems participating in Training for 21st Century Libraries are: Boca Raton Public Library, Boynton Beach City Library, Broward County Library, Delray Beach Public Library, Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library, Hialeah Public Library, Lake Park Public Library, Lake Worth Public Library, Lighthouse Point Public Library, Martin County Library System, Miami Dade Public Library System, Monroe County Library System, North Miami Public Library, North Miami Beach Public Library, Opa-Locka Public Library, Palm Beach County Library System, West Palm Beach Public Library, and Wilton Manors Public Library.

"Training for 21st Century Libraries offers the opportunity to provide SEFLIN's immensely popular training program to smaller libraries in the region, many of whom would not have had this opportunity if not for the grant,?' said Bruce Massis, SEFLIN Associate Director and Project Director. "Library staff serving our culturally rich region of more than 5.2 million people will have flexible and convenient access to hundreds of courses."