In April, twenty-three library professionals gathered at the Monroe Township Library (Middlesex County) for an immersive three-day, in-person learning experience: PM Fundamentals + AI Integration Bootcamp: Managing Projects at the Speed of AI.
Designed to bridge the gap between traditional project management best practices and emerging AI capabilities, the bootcamp delivered both foundational knowledge and forward-looking strategies for navigating today’s rapidly evolving work environment.
| PM Bootcamp Photo Album |
Bridging Project Management and AI
Led by Sam Sena, PMP, CISSP, MBA, a seasoned project management instructor and AI researcher with over 25 years of global experience, the program offered a unique blend of theory and hands-on application. Participants spent the first two days building a strong foundation in core project management principles—such as the Triple Constraint (Scope, Time, Cost)—while simultaneously exploring how Generative AI can enhance and accelerate these processes.
From drafting project charters and work breakdown structures to identifying risks and improving communication plans, attendees learned how AI can be integrated into everyday workflows to increase efficiency and insight.
Learning by Doing: From Fundamentals to Real-World Application
The bootcamp emphasized practical application at every stage. Participants used AI tools to:
- Develop key project artifacts (charters, WBS, budget development, communication plans)
- Identify blind spots and potential risks
- Explore considerations for the responsible use of AI
A Mission to the Moon: A Creative Group Exercise
One of the most engaging moments in the series was the ‘Moonbase Escape Project’ group lab activity. Participants were challenged to imagine themselves as research scientists stranded on a lunar base after a catastrophic meteorite strike.
Working in teams, they developed a Project Charter to guide their escape—defining requirements, constraints, assumptions, and roles while racing against time to prevent total system failure. The exercise combined creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, making complex project management concepts both memorable and fun. In doing so, they also used various AI tools to support their project plan development.
A High-Value Learning Experience for Library Workers
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting both the relevance and practical value of the program:
- “I have a much clearer idea of how Project Management works as a discipline… It was extremely useful to have an overview of AI’s usefulness and effectiveness.”
- “The PMI principles and AI tools I learned will help me manage upcoming library building projects.”
- “A great balance of theory and practical labs.”
- “Honestly one of very few workshops that have presented all usable information.”
- “Very helpful, enlightening, and valuable in the practical use of AI within our work.”
As libraries continue to adapt to technological and organizational change, LibraryLinkNJ aims to continue offering programs like this bootcamp that play a critical role in building staff capacity and confidence. By combining proven project management methodologies with emerging AI tools, participants left better equipped to manage projects—both large and small—more effectively and strategically.