The Early Start Program is designed for new Library Associates in Maryland's public library systems as part of the Library Associate Training Institute (LATI) program. Anyone who performs librarian duties in public libraries but does not have a Masters degree in Library Science, must participate in the 90-hour LATI training. Other library staff members may participate in the Early Start Program as determined by their library system.
The second part of the program is Advanced LATI. This is open only to Library Associates.