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G2S Project Code: 2015-OK-75185
State: Oklahoma
Fiscal Year: 2015
Grantee
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES

Project Director
Director Name: Melissa Askew
Director Phone: 405-522-3315
Director Email: melissa.askew@libraries.ok.gov
General Information
Title: Website Development
State Project Code: 153211
Start Date: 10/01/2014
End Date: 09/30/2016
Abstract: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) provided website templates, hosting services, and software training, for library and literacy organization managers, to facilitate and encourage libraries to maintain functional, attractive websites. The project lead officer created 25 websites in WordPress, for a total of 48 libraries participating in the program. In order for the local librarians to have the skills to maintain the websites, ODL required one or two library/literacy staff members to attend a two-day course to learn the website editing software. ODL subscribed to a book-display widget for libraries to utilize on their sites. Educational materials were purchased for students who attended WordPress training. Participants were surveyed to find out what they had gained from taking the classes and how it had helped them improve their websites.



State Goal: Goal #1
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$12,998.46
$0.00
$0.00
$12,998.46
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Website Creation
Narrative: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) project lead officer created WordPress websites for 25 public libraries using WordPress, a popular cloud-based content management system. A pre-class intake questionnaire was sent to the participants. The participants were requested to identify preferences and select a website theme from two choices. Project staff created development websites based on participant selections. The websites were customized with each library's information, content, narratives and images.

A subscription to Book Widgets from LibraryThing for Libraries was purchased for participating libraries. Each widget was embedded into the homepage of each website. It helped link book collections to the libraries’ catalogs.


Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 25


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ADA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 124 S. RENNIE
City: ADA
State: OK
Zip: 74820
Name: ALVA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 504 SEVENTH STREET
City: ALVA
State: OK
Zip: 73717
Name: ANTLERS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 104 S.E. 2ND STREET
City: ANTLERS
State: OK
Zip: 74523
Name: BEAVER COUNTY PIONEER LIBRARY
Address: 201 DOUGLAS AVE
City: BEAVER
State: OK
Zip: 73932
Name: BRISTOW - MONTFORT & ALLIE JONES MEM LIBRARY
Address: 111 W. 7TH AVE
City: BRISTOW
State: OK
Zip: 74010
Name: CHANDLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1021 S MANVEL
City: CHANDLER
State: OK
Zip: 74834
Name: CHEROKEE CITY- COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 123 SOUTH GRAND
City: CHEROKEE
State: OK
Zip: 73728
Name: CLEVELAND - JAY C BYERS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 215 E. WICHITA
City: CLEVELAND
State: OK
Zip: 74020
Name: DURANT-DONALD REYNOLDS COMMUNITY CT & LIBRARY
Address: 1515 WEST MAIN
City: DURANT
State: OK
Zip: 74701
Name: ENID-PUBLIC LIBRARY OF ENID AND GARFIELD CO
Address: 120 W. MAINE
City: ENID
State: OK
Zip: 73701
Name: HENNESSEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 525 S. MAIN
City: HENNESSEY
State: OK
Zip: 73742
Name: HOBART PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 S MAIN
City: HOBART
State: OK
Zip: 73651
Name: HOLDENVILLE - GRACE PICKENS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 209 E 9TH
City: HOLDENVILLE
State: OK
Zip: 74848
Name: HOOKER - OLIVE WARNER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 111 S BROADWAY
City: HOOKER
State: OK
Zip: 73945
Name: LOCUST GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 715 E. HAROLD ANDREWS BLVD
City: LOCUST GROVE
State: OK
Zip: 74352
Name: MANNFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 101 GREEN VALLEY PARK RD
City: MANNFORD
State: OK
Zip: 74044
Name: MARLOW - GARLAND SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 702 W Main
City: MARLOW
State: OK
Zip: 73055
Name: OIC OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY
Address: 3033 N. WALNUT ST.
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73105
Name: OKEMAH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 301 SOUTH 2ND
City: OKEMAH
State: OK
Zip: 74859
Name: PAULS VALLEY-NORA SPARKS WARREN MEM LIBRARY
Address: 210 N WILLOW ST.
City: PAULS VALLEY
State: OK
Zip: 73075
Name: PAWHUSKA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1801 LYNN AVENUE
City: PAWHUSKA
State: OK
Zip: 74056
Name: PIEDMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1129 STOUT STREET NW
City: PIEDMONT
State: OK
Zip: 73078
Name: PRYOR - THOMAS J HARRISON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 505 EAST GRAHAM
City: PRYOR
State: OK
Zip: 74361
Name: VINITA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 215 W ILLINOIS
City: VINITA
State: OK
Zip: 74301
Name: YALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 213 N MAIN
City: YALE
State: OK
Zip: 74085
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: WordPress Classes
Narrative: Participating libraries sent one to two staff members, in most cases the library director, to training at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL). The ODL project lead officer built and customized the basic framework for the website. During class, each participant fleshed out the website with content, narratives, links and graphics. ODL made the complete website view-able through the World Wide Web. Training, a two-day event, was part lecture and part hands-on exercises.

Forty-one individuals received website training. There were nine training sessions offered. This two-day class ran from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with four hours and forty minutes of instruction and one hour and fifty minutes earmarked for lunch and breaks.

Here are samples of student comments taken from the class exit evaluations:

Participants were asked to give examples from PATRONS of how their library website had helped them.
“Many have stated the format and setup are much easier to navigate.” “Patrons have used the website for information, access to databases, and useful links.” “The website keeps our patrons and the general public informed about programs in the Library.” “Several patrons used a library survey we set up on our website. In addition, people often contact us through the library website, usually for requests for genealogy research."  "Having a library website has allowed teenagers to become knowledgeable of Learning Express, and its capabilities of allowing them to improve their ACT test taking skills.” “Compliments on the user-friendly experience.” “Patrons like that we have added ancestry.com to our website and use it regularly.” “Locating literacy services in their area; locating our email address; finding event and grant information.” “Customers look at our web site to find out what's going on at the library and what's new. The web site also facilitates access to databases and other information.” “Locate books without having to come in.” “Shortcut to the library collection and the virtual library. They really like the slideshow feature.” “It looks much more attractive and organized, has more information, and so they are drawn to visit it more often.” “Wordpress has made it easier for patrons to find the information they want on our website.” “Gives them dates for our upcoming book sale and programs.” “The posting of upcoming events and the what-to-read-next widget.” “Library times and hours, contact information, online catalog, renew books, access to e-books.” “I've gotten the most comments regarding the links on the genealogy page.” “Patrons learned about programs and classes at the library. Patrons could download the application to use the meeting room, making it convenient to reserve the space. Patron could learn more about genealogy from our website by using the links on our genealogy page.”
Participants were asked how they thought their community of users have benefited from the library's web presence?
“We have several patrons who have limited resources or are unable to travel to the library as much as they would like to. With the new web presence we are able to still serve their needs.” “The Library website has helped patrons stay informed about what is going on at the Library; programs, new books, etc.” “Since we don't have a daily newspaper this is the only way that I can reach my patrons on a regular basis. I have received comments from my patrons that they enjoy going through the website and the links in our children’s section are helpful for research and homework help.” “They can access all of the electronic resources we have through the website. They can look-up books in our catalog and find out what events are coming up. They can also read news stories about the library and detailed annotations about new books.”
“Information about the library and its events are easy to find. Accessing our databases and especially the OK Virtual Library are major reasons users use the website.” “A library website allows users to be able to check our card catalog or renew their items from the comfort of their own home.” “Community resource and information outlet.” “It is a great place for them to look for resources.” “I think they have benefited by being able to use links for e-books and audio books on our virtual library, and also using the above-mentioned ancestry.com.” “They can receive information in an easy-to-access way.” “We are able to provide more literacy resources and information.”  “Easier access to information.” “Get information without having to come in.” “Easy access to the collection and the virtual library.” “An easy place to find library information and access to the library's digital resources.” “It lets them know what we offer at the library, our sale dates, and access to their library accounts.” “They can see what new things are coming and upcoming events.” “Our catalog is on our website. Patrons like the ease of pulling up our website and searching for books.” “All of the information in one spot. Professional looking website gives confidence in institution.”
“We have had an online website for a long time but WordPress just has a cleaner online presence and is easier to navigate.” “It is a way for our patrons who don't use Facebook to see the updates and notices.” “Our great website gives the library a professional online appearance. Patrons can access a variety of digital resources there. The library website offers trusted, reliable sources of information.”
Comments about ODL Lab Classes
“Thanks for offering such wonderful training opportunities!”
“I greatly appreciate all ODL has done in providing the website and the training. It has given us a professional edge we would not otherwise have.”
“The computer classes provided by ODL are extremely valuable to me and my staff. We learn a tremendous amount of very useful information and skills in this manner. I can think of no better way for us to learn these skills and how to utilize them in the library world. My gratitude goes to ODL and to The Institute of Museum and Library Services, thank you. I hope these services continue for a long time.”
“I love Melissa, and these classes and her knowledge/help have been an invaluable resource to our program!”
“Our library would have a very difficult time providing a web site without the assistance of ODL.”

Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 280
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 5
Number of times program administered: 9


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ADA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 124 S. RENNIE
City: ADA
State: OK
Zip: 74820
Name: ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 214 EAST BROADWAY
City: ALLEN
State: OK
Zip: 74825
Name: ANADARKO COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 215 W BROADWAY
City: ANADARKO
State: OK
Zip: 73005
Name: CHELSEA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 618 PINE STREET
City: CHELSEA
State: OK
Zip: 74016
Name: CHICKASHA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 527 IOWA AVENUE
City: CHICKASHA
State: OK
Zip: 73018
Name: CUSHING PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 215 NORTH STEELE AVENUE
City: CUSHING
State: OK
Zip: 74023
Name: DURANT-DONALD REYNOLDS COMMUNITY CT & LIBRARY
Address: 1515 WEST MAIN
City: DURANT
State: OK
Zip: 74701
Name: EL RENO CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Address: 215 E WADE
City: EL RENO
State: OK
Zip: 73036
Name: ENID-PUBLIC LIBRARY OF ENID AND GARFIELD CO
Address: 120 W. MAINE
City: ENID
State: OK
Zip: 73701
Name: GUTHRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 201 N DIVISION
City: GUTHRIE
State: OK
Zip: 73044
Name: GUYMON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1718 N Oklahoma
City: GUYMON
State: OK
Zip: 73942
Name: LANGLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: PO BOX 655
City: LANGLEY
State: OK
Zip: 74350
Name: MADILL CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 500 WEST OVERTON ST
City: MADILL
State: OK
Zip: 73446
Name: MAYSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 506 WILLIAMS ST
City: MAYSVILLE
State: OK
Zip: 73057
Name: MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 N MAIN
City: MIAMI
State: OK
Zip: 74354
Name: OKEENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 215 N MAIN
City: OKEENE
State: OK
Zip: 73763
Name: PERRY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Address: 302 N 7TH ST
City: PERRY
State: OK
Zip: 73077
Name: PRYOR - THOMAS J HARRISON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 505 EAST GRAHAM
City: PRYOR
State: OK
Zip: 74361
Name: SHATTUCK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 101 SOUTH MAIN
City: SHATTUCK
State: OK
Zip: 73858
Name: TONKAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 216 N. SEVENTH
City: TONKAWA
State: OK
Zip: 74653
Name: WATONGA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 301 N PROUTY
City: WATONGA
State: OK
Zip: 73772
Name: WAURIKA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 103 S. MERIDIAN
City: WAURIKA
State: OK
Zip: 73573
Name: WOODWARD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1500 MAIN
City: WOODWARD
State: OK
Zip: 73801
Name: YALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 213 N MAIN
City: YALE
State: OK
Zip: 74085
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: WordPress Refresher Open Lab
Narrative: Participants had an opportunity to continue working on their WordPress websites.  Any knowledge gaps or questions they may have had from the introductory class were addressed.  Class time was spent reviewing whatever website or WordPress-related topics participants chose.

Five individuals attended the refresher training. This one-day open lab class ran from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with no set breaks or lunch. 

Participants were asked to give examples of how this class helped them. Here are some example comments:

"E-books are displayed more prominently. So are library closings. The sliders provide timely, pertinent information."

"It promotes library programming better. Easier for patrons to e-mail questions or make comments."

"We now have links on our website that the patrons can access for more information on subjects such as taxes and programs that will help them with basic computer skills and browsing the internet."

"This class gave me assistance with using new items on our website."

Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 280
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 2
Number of times program administered: 3


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: GUYMON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1718 N Oklahoma
City: GUYMON
State: OK
Zip: 73942
Name: LANGLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: PO BOX 655
City: LANGLEY
State: OK
Zip: 74350
Name: MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 N MAIN
City: MIAMI
State: OK
Zip: 74354
Name: PERRY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Address: 302 N 7TH ST
City: PERRY
State: OK
Zip: 73077
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: OK Connect Website Maintenance
Narrative: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries Web Development lead officer maintained a website in for the OK Connect libraries, a group of Oklahoma libraries that have video conference capabilities. The website, maintained in Drupal, needed technical fixes beyond the abilities of the lead officer. The OK Connect website was first created to help the public and other libraries locate video conferencing sites and high speed broadband in the state. Located at okconnect.org.

A Drupal developer was hired to restore functionality in the following areas: 
  • Improve the rendering of the map
  • Correct functionality of the direction service
  • Repair automatic module update function


Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Other
Format: Digital
Other: Maintenance


Quantity


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 0
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Holding the two-day classes in WordPress and the one-day Refresher labs continued to prove important for participant success. Ninety-six percent reported they had used WordPress since taking the class. Eighty percent said they were more confident about using WordPress since taking the class. The project lead officer evaluated websites for currency to assess how often websites were being updated with new information in the form of posts. Thirty-seven percent of participants’ websites were up-to-date with recent content additions. More than half reported they had used WordPress sixteen or more times. The project staff assessed several accessibility compliance elements. The elements assessed included proper heading use and the use of alternative text to describe images. Ten of the websites were excluded from accessibility and image size evaluation because they had not been updated. There was not enough information to judge how well participants were doing. This will need to be examined in the following year. In addition, image size and optimization was assessed. The trainer devoted 1.5 hours of class time explaining how to crop images to size, how to reduce file size and why it is important. There were 11 out of 38 websites that had used images directly from the camera. These images were huge in size and exceeded what participants were instructed was acceptable. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) also evaluated the use of alternative text to describe images. Sixty percent of participants were evaluated, 23 out of the 38, did not include Alt Text at all. There were 11 out of 38 who were using graphics with embedded text. That information would be unavailable to those using most screen readers. Clearly, these are some issues that need to be addressed.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The basic class was a good jumping off point for students. To be successful, students need to practice and apply what they learn. Reluctant students need encouragement and ongoing support. Twenty-five percent of participants had fresh content and were maintaining active websites. This was a surprising finding. The project leader expected that moving to the new, more user-friendly WordPress platform would encourage a much higher level of activity from participants. Participants were still not maintaining accessibility or meeting 508 compliance requirements. Trainers ensured that participants knew of the requirements and the importance of maintaining accessible and usable websites. For example, the trainer explained how to use headings properly. Fifty-seven percent of participants avoided using headings altogether, less they make mistakes. Participants were flooded with information during class. They may have reached a saturation point on some topics. the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) is pleased that participants are using their websites and that they are available to the public, but concerned about the non-compliance issues.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The project leader learned that participants need ongoing technical support and more than just the 2- day training in WordPress basics. Students also need reminding of best practices. A technical support website for this community needs to be developed to help share information and knowledge.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
The project will move from creation to maintenance.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: