# PLA and Microsoft launch free AI skills program for libraries

Digest AI · Enterprise & Industry · published 2026-10-21T17:00:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/pla-and-microsoft-launch-free-ai-skills-program-for-libraries

## Summary

The Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft have announced a free initiative titled “Building AI Skills and Agency Through Libraries.” The program combines webinars with community practice sessions aimed at both library staff and patrons. The first webinar, “The AI-Ready Public Library,” is scheduled for early December, with three more to follow. The project was developed by PLA’s Transformative Technology task force in collaboration with Microsoft Elevate, a division focused on AI literacy in non-commercial settings.

Justin Spelhaug, president of Microsoft Elevate, stated that libraries are trusted community resources that need to help people use new tools safely. He highlighted concerns about “cognitive offloading” to AI, which can hinder genuine learning, particularly among young people. Spelhaug noted that a new safety, privacy, and transparency standard has been designed to ensure student data privacy and teacher-centered tool design in schools, with plans to adapt these guardrails for public libraries.

Jamar O. Rahming, current PLA president, said the initiative will help library workers access practical resources and support community members in using AI responsibly. Brandy McNeil, past PLA president, emphasized that the series is not a pitch for Microsoft tools but an effort to help patrons navigate AI and make informed decisions. The program aims to address member requests for staff training, community education, and practical policy examples, ensuring human librarians remain central to the process.

## Key points

- PLA and Microsoft launch a free AI skills initiative for library staff and patrons.
- The first of four webinars, “The AI-Ready Public Library,” occurs in early December.
- Microsoft Elevate aims to adapt safety and privacy standards for library environments.

## Why it matters

This partnership addresses the growing need for AI literacy in public institutions. By providing free training and safety guidelines, it helps libraries manage misinformation and ensures patrons can use AI tools responsibly without compromising privacy or critical thinking skills.

## Sources

1. [PLA Partners with Microsoft on Library AI Info Sessions](https://publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/101589-pla-partners-with-microsoft-on-library-ai-info-sessions.html) (publishersweekly.com, 2026-10-21)

## Cite

Digest AI, "PLA and Microsoft launch free AI skills program for libraries", 21 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/pla-and-microsoft-launch-free-ai-skills-program-for-libraries

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