Internal assessment for the strategic planning process of 2017 identified challenges for the MDPLS, including “developing structured and relevant staff training and leadership development opportunities throughout the organization.” Learning circles address the resultant goal to “[b]ecome the national model for libraries by creating and conducting ongoing staff and leadership development programs that strengthen the organization at all levels to better serve the public and prepare our workforce for future growth.”

Learning circles for staff development maximize the usage of pre-existing resources. Staff act as learning circle facilitators in the libraries’ collaborative spaces, using library technologies while free Mass Open Online Courses (MOOCs) serve as the circles’ content and provide for diverse opportunities to engage in deep learning by small cohorts. The most intensive resource outlay is the time investment of staff facilitators and participants to actively engage in a collaborative learner-centric environment.

Learning circles are producing results for MDPLS. The pilot project of three learning circles resulted in a 300% increase in Consumer Health Information Specializations (CHIS 1) awarded to staff by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) and $17,000 funding for grant proposals by participants of grant writing circle. Staff participating in Florida’s Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute (SSLLI) will graduate in July 2019. The project will be presented at one national and two state-wide professional meetings.