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G2S Project Code: 2016-IN-77255
State: Indiana
Fiscal Year: 2016
Grantee
MISHAWAKA-PENN-HARRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Deanna Juday
Director Phone: (574) 259-5277 x1801
Director Email: d.juday@mphpl.org
General Information
Title: Spotlight on Mishawaka History - Digital Microfilm Readers
State Project Code: T16-1-1(17)
Start Date: 07/25/2016
End Date: 04/30/2017
Abstract: The Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library purchased a digital microfilm scanner (allowing for reading, printing, or saving articles) for public use, as well as staff projects. Library staff used the reader to create two indexes from the early editions of the local newspaper, Mishawaka Enterprise – one focusing on citizens, and one on businesses. (The library index begins in 1858; previous access was limited to Newspaper Archive.com, which had only digitized 1898 – 1921). Patrons wishing to look up local history or genealogy can draw from these newly created indexes to direct their microfilm use.
State Goal: Information Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$8,990.00
$0.00
$1,539.71
$10,529.71
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
History
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Creation of newspaper indexes
Narrative: Library staff was able to use the newly purchased microfilm digital reader to create two indexes from the local newspaper, the Mishawaka Enterprise. Both indexes begin in 1858, and as of the end of the project cycle, run through the year 1878. Staff plans to continue this index through 1897. These indexes were created with local genealogists and historians in mind; staff has already been able to better answer patron inquiries using the indexes to find information that was previously limited.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use 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): 2
Number of plans/frameworks: 0


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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MISHAWAKA-PENN-HARRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 209 LINCOLN WAY EAST
City: MISHAWAKA
State: IN
Zip: 46544
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The images and prints from the microfilm digital reader are of a much higher quality than previously possible on the old equipment. Patrons have already directly benefited from the new equipment, with one local author employing the reader to enhance images to be used in a book.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
As noted above, patrons have already benefited from the higher quality images of the microfilm digital reader, as well as from the newspaper indexes created from the equipment.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Finding an accurate method to gage patron use of the equipment proved challenging. Simply counting the number of patrons users may appear to minimize usage, as some patrons were on the machines for several hours. Counting the hours the machines were in use would provide more of a burden on staff time (or cooperation from patrons) than many libraries could afford.
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:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
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: public, equpiment