Empowering Markham Public Library as a Hub for AI Innovation

Our Impact

ENGR Solutions partnered with Markham Public Library (MPL) to design and deliver a professional AI Education “Train the Trainer” program through a fully remote pilot. This engagement is equipping MPL with the foundational tools to become a center for responsible and practical AI literacy in Markham. By training a core group of librarians, MPL is now able to educate staff internally and begin shaping the city’s digital future through informed AI guidance.

The Background

As the City of Markham accelerates its Digital Literacy Strategy, there is a recognized need to ensure residents can navigate the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence. While MPL was well-positioned to support this mission, it lacked the in-house expertise and structured content required to train staff on AI technology, usage, and community engagement.

The Challenge

Knowledge Gap:
MPL needed to build a foundational understanding of AI concepts, tools (such as ChatGPT), legal implications, and ethical best practices across a variety of staff roles.

Internal Capacity Building:
Rather than depend on external trainers long-term, MPL wanted to build sustainable internal capacity—transforming selected staff into capable AI trainers who could cascade their knowledge across the organization.

Pilot Constraints:
The initial program was delivered as a cost-sensitive tester pilot, requiring customization to deliver high impact while staying within budget.

Our Process & Innovation

Consultation & Planning:
ENGR Solutions delivered four virtual consultation sessions, including a technology consultation with MPL’s internal teams and partners. These sessions ensured the training approach aligned with MPL’s needs and constraints.

Lecture Seminars & Interactive Workshops:
The program spanned 5 hours over three parts—three seminars and two tutorials—covering foundational concepts, practical tool use, and responsible implementation. All sessions were delivered remotely with a focus on interactivity.

Train the Trainer Model:
ENGR trained 8 selected librarians—“MPL AI Trainers”—to become internal educators. This cascading model allowed AI knowledge to be distributed throughout the organization sustainably.

Measuring Success:
Pre- and post-program assessments were conducted to evaluate AI literacy gains. A final report provided MPL with an AI readiness evaluation and next-step recommendations.

Our Solution

The resulting pilot program:

• Trained 8 internal AI Trainers equipped to train their colleagues.

• Offered a structured, fully-remote curriculum on AI literacy, tool use, privacy, legal risk, and ethics.

• Focused on safe, practical, and public-service-oriented use of AI tools within a library context.

• Built internal momentum toward MPL becoming an AI engagement and education hub in Markham.

The Result

Skilled Internal Trainers:
MPL staff now have an internal team of AI-literate trainers able to support their peers and patrons.

Practical & Ethical Awareness:
Librarians understand how to use AI tools safely, ethically, and effectively in their day-to-day work.

Foundation for Expansion:
The tester pilot laid the groundwork for future programs, including community engagement and AI awareness initiatives.

Human Impact

Markham Residents:
Will increasingly benefit from AI-informed workshops, tools, and guidance as the library integrates AI into public services.

MPL Staff:
Are now equipped with the knowledge and confidence to lead AI conversations internally and externally.

City of Markham:
Has a key partner in its digital strategy as MPL begins to offer informed AI support, aligned with responsible innovation.

Optional Enhancement

ENGR Solutions continues to support MPL through optional upgrades including post-training mentorship, advanced training sessions, and the development of a public-facing AI community engagement strategy. These services ensure MPL remains a dynamic force in digital transformation across Markham.

Empowering Burlington Public Library as a Leader in Applied AI Literacy

Our Impact

ENGR Solutions partnered with Burlington Public Library (BPL) to launch an innovative AI Education “Train the Trainer” program. This forward-looking initiative positions BPL as a regional leader in AI literacy by equipping a cohort of 18 librarians and staff with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to apply AI in their daily workflows and to support the Burlington community in navigating the AI era.

The Background

As Burlington strengthens its position as a digitally connected and forward-thinking city, BPL recognized a growing need to help residents and library staff build essential skills in artificial intelligence and digital literacy. Unlike traditional programming-focused training, BPL required a program focused on using AI tools to enhance productivity and better serve patrons across varied library roles.

The Challenge

Productivity Over Programming:
Staff needed to understand how AI could apply to their everyday roles—not to build AI, but to use it meaningfully for tasks such as drafting communications, research support, and process automation.

Diverse Roles, Diverse Needs:
BPL encompasses librarians, IT professionals, collection managers, and administrative staff—each with different workflows and requirements. A one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t work.

Understanding Ethical and Legal Boundaries:
Participants needed guidance on the ethical use of AI in public service, including how to cite AI-generated content and navigate emerging legal considerations.

Our Process & Innovation

Consultation & Co-Design:
ENGR Solutions conducted deep consultation sessions with BPL stakeholders to align the training with staff needs. This included a tech consultation, multiple feedback loops, and the development of a comprehensive AI training manual.

Three-Part Training Program:
We implemented a structured 3-day program with both seminar-style lectures and hands-on tutorials, covering:

• Foundations of AI (May 6): Understanding the AI landscape and its implications for libraries and the local economy.

• AI Literacy & Practical Tools (May 13): Interactive exploration of tools like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and AI agents, with a focus on prompt engineering.

• Ethics, Law & Community (May 20): Case studies, data privacy, and the role of AI in public trust and safety.

Custom Tools & Assignments:
Participants received assignments that encouraged practical application in their own departments, from creating AI productivity workflows to designing public workshops.

Ongoing Support & Post-Training Consultation:
ENGR Solutions provided follow-up evaluations, a resource library, and a community of practice to support continued learning and implementation.

Our Solution

The resulting Train the Trainer model:

• Trained 18 AI Leaders across BPL roles, tailored to the specific needs of their workflows and departments.

• Delivered a comprehensive curriculum on AI fundamentals, hands-on tool usage, responsible practices, and community engagement.

• Encouraged immediate application, with practical tools and examples applicable to collections, research support, communication, and community programming.

• Fostered community readiness by empowering librarians to teach others through planned public engagement and resource development.

The Result

Confident, Capable Staff:
BPL librarians and staff now understand how AI can enhance their work and are equipped to lead their peers and patrons in its responsible use.

Tailored Knowledge Transfer:
Each AI Leader developed implementation strategies unique to their department, multiplying the program’s impact across the library system.

Community Integration:
BPL is now positioned as a key community resource for understanding and safely using AI, from helping residents spot deepfakes to offering small business AI toolkits.

Human Impact

Burlington Residents:
Gain access to trustworthy AI education and resources to thrive in the digital world.

Local Employers & Entrepreneurs:
Connect with an informed library staff who can guide them toward the tools and skills needed to stay competitive.

BPL Staff:
Empowered to become AI champions, using their expertise to improve workflows, enhance service delivery, and lead digital transformation at the community level.

Optional Enhancement

ENGR Solutions remains committed to supporting BPL’s growth as an AI education hub. We continue to provide mentorship, training refreshers, and strategic support to ensure BPL stays ahead in this rapidly evolving field.