Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Participants were surveyed to find out what they had gained from taking the classes, how having a website helped them serve their users, and how it helped them improve their websites. Here are some of their responses.
“According to Google Analytics, our website is accessed an average of 1,600 times a month. I know of at least two individuals who recently complimented us on the website regarding how easy it is to find things on it and that they are amazed at the information that can be found there. Having a presence on the web is important. We consider it our virtual library, as it offers access to eBooks, downloadable audio, databases, and great electronic resources all available 24/7 on our website! There is no other way we could do this. I will also say, we could not do this on our own! Thanks to the classes and help you have given. I am very proud of our website and what we are able to offer. (It has helped me in other responsibilities as well, since I am helping with the website for the Miami Arts & Humanities Council and the 66 Cultural District.)”
“Every week our patrons ask about upcoming events that they have seen on our website. If we don't update regularly, our customers let us know, asking if we're sick or if something is wrong! We love our savvy library users!”
“Our library website is amazing and we would not be able to be successful in our offerings if we did not have this website. We have patrons who use the website to check for upcoming events and classes while others browse the scrolling list of new books. The format, with the banners in the slider, really help to catch folks' eyes and bring them in...something that was missing before. The website also has a very important feature, one which allows patrons to ask questions (sent directly to the library director/webpage manager) and get a prompt answer. This has to be my favorite feature. This small act has meant so much to people as they get a personal response in a very timely manner without having to use the phone! In today's climate if you do not have a web presence then you do not exist to many, so we are very thankful for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) for the opportunity to have a wonderful website!”
“I used our library website to host class pages for each of the Certification classes I teach. This makes it so much easier for the students. They have access to the class PowerPoint, online resources, the class agenda, and other information that may be relevant to the class and their learning experience. It is fantastic!”
“Patrons say they are able to navigate our website better since we have installed the WordPress. They notice our events more and come back more often to see what is going on in the library.”
“Patrons have used the links on our website to study for the GED test and to improve skills in other areas, such as Microsoft Office”
“People will go to our website to find out what services we provide. We ask how they have heard about us and they will say from the website.”
“Patrons are always commenting in person about seeing something on the website. And are quick to remind us if the current calendar is not up on time.”
“A customer might say, ‘Thanks for posting your programs online as I can't always get in to get a calendar. I saw your article about....I didn't know that happened at the library.’”
“Patrons enjoyed getting information in the spring about the upcoming children's Summer Reading Program. Some were able to schedule times to be at our free Family Day programs.”
“Customers have benefited by having all of the resources and information at their fingertips, all in one place, that is very user friendly.”
“Previously users had to be given a link, and then go to google docs and print off the class materials. There was a different link for every class. Now there is a website devoted to Certification classes with a site for each class. Users have easy access to every class 24-7. They can now follow along online if they choose. They have additional resources and updates can be made as needed.”
How classes helped:
“Using WordPress makes my job easier. I am able to post events on our website without a hassle. The class is so helpful and gives me the ability to work on specific things rather than sit through a class and work on areas that I don't need help with.”
“Class gave me a better understanding and confidence to use WordPress.”
“It helped me feel more confident and provided new information.”
“Class reminded me of some of the options that I don't use regularly.”
“Class taught me much more than I knew about how to put things on websites.”
“I felt more comfortable in posting things on the web site and feel like it is easier for patrons to navigate.”
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Throughout the year, project participants were sharing all sorts of fun and interesting things on their websites.
There were events for kids and teens like Lego club, robotics, board gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, Fit Kids, Read to a Bunny Rabbit, PJ Parties, Space Camp, after school hangouts, and Batman Day.
Libraries promoted used book sales, board meetings, newsletters, eBooks, the Great American Read, and author visits.
They had interesting events and classes for adults, like: tai chi, Pilates, bee keeping, suicide prevention, trivia night, cookbook club, craft night, caring giving, and a Monty Python party. They wrote book reviews and posted lists of new books.
For those who may not have been comfortable posting to WordPress, the project Lead Officer made sure that their Facebook feed was embedded and prominently visible on their website and they could keep it up to date.
Lesson 1: Migrating each website from the old Genesis themes to the new Beaver Builder themes was time-consuming and training afterward was absolutely necessary. Training remotely with screen-sharing was not enough. The lead officer has begun switching websites from the original WordPress themes to the newer WordPress/Beaver Builder themes. Only one-third is complete. It takes one entire work day to migrate a website. After the switch, the participant and the project lead did remote training using a screen-sharing application to cover anything new. However, more training is needed. Next year the Lead Officer will hold a one-day group refresher class in the ODL computer lab for those who would like more hands-on help.
Lesson 2: The ODL website program is not a one-size-fits all solution. There are trade-offs. Participants trade in having full-blown administrative rights, the ability to add their own features (plug-ins), and creating the layout/design, for example. Instead they can focus on writing about all the services, resources and programs they offer. They don’t have to worry about updating the core platform, site crashes, security or backing up. If something does go wrong, they know that they can reach out to the project Lead Officer. All of this costs them no money out-of-pocket.
The ODL program is not for those who would like complete ownership of a website. Total control would give the ability to add plugins, apply major changes to the layout, and adding or removing users. It would also include the responsibility of maintaining security, backups and crashes, likely at a cost.
Lesson 3: Certain participants may need an even simpler option for having a website. ODL confirmed this through a sister project and an NNLM (National Network of Libraries of Medicine) grant. This pilot project included: Seminole, Wynnewood, Ringling, Kellyville, and Pawnee. While it is important for a library to have a web presence, not everyone can take the time out to travel to the state library for four days of training. Some may only need the ability to add news content through posts. So a basic website was created and training was only one day. Training was one-on-one and the trainer visited the library for intensive training.
Lesson 4: There is still a need for the program. There are still libraries and literacy organizations joining. The program is going strong and has gained three new participants. We expect to have five to ten new sites to report on next year.
Lesson 5: A gap in knowledge and practice still exists when it comes to accessibility and 508 compliance. ODL has provided classes devoted to various topics, such as video-captioning and accessible Word docs and PDFs. During WordPress class, participants learn about basic compliance, including: use of headings, alt text, captioning and using plain language. Yet, the effort made to comply is not evident in participants’ websites. All participants will be required to do some type of training (prescribed reading and self-guided) on accessibility and take a test. The test will most likely be “open book.” Participants will be given a simple checklist to follow for maintaining accessible content. They will also have to read, understand and sign an accessibility agreement.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Adding the page builder, Beaver Builder (BB), was a good way to go, for both developer and client. It is very user-friendly. ODL allows participants to have some limited access to the page builder (they can edit content), but they are not allowed to rearrange layouts or restructure their websites. ODL uses a Beaver Builder theme and the BB plugin together as a combination, which is important for getting the most out of this platform.
For developers, Beaver Builder layouts are flexible because they are built on a grid. Traditional WordPress themes are comparatively restrictive. With Beaver Builder, pages have column-based layouts with drag and drop modules and content areas, which can be structured into rows and columns. Content blocks can be moved around, added or removed easily. Layouts are always mobile friendly. Beaver Builder is agile and it will be easy to build and rebuild sites to keep layouts fresh and functional.
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:
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:
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:
