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G2S Project Code: 2017-OK-79064
State: Oklahoma
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES

Project Director
Director Name: Wendy Noerdlinger
Director Phone: 405-522-3322
Director Email: wendy.noerdlinger@libraries.ok.gov
General Information
Title: Certification for Public Librarians
State Project Code: 172101
Start Date: 10/01/2016
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) and the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) strongly encourage all library employees to receive Certification through the Public Library Academy classes provided by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) dollars. Many of Oklahoma's' library staff do not have a master’s in Library Science and are required by their employer to receive the Certification.

The face-to-face nature of the courses allows library staff to network and small libraries' staff to learn from each other. The Public Library Academy has been completely reorganized with new curriculum and PowerPoint is now utilized in the presentations. The continuing education program is overseen and directed by the Continuing Education Coordinator from ODL's Office of Library Development.  Library staff are encouraged to renew their certification to remain vital, current, and to develop new ideas. This process requires 40 hours of Continuing Education every three years.

The coursework is designed specifically to provide library staff with the tools needed to work in a library. Those skills include: philosophy and code of ethics; computer skills; customer service skills; how to provide necessary services to adults and children, including programming and collection development; what to do in case of an emergency; how to handle customers with mental health issues or other problems; social networking; and statutes that libraries must follow to be qualified as a library and to receive state aid. 

State Goal: Goal 2: Institutional Capacity
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$31,956.04
$0.00
$0.00
$31,956.04
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Certification
Library Skills
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Certification for Public Librarians
Narrative: Trained and experienced instructors presented 34 regional face-to-face classes.  The classes covered the topics of intellectual freedom, collection development, ethics, administration, legislation, adult and youth services, computer resources, technology, and interpersonal skills. Each class participant received a CEU certificate for 0.62 CEU credit. When students completed all eight classes they were eligible for Certification.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 300
Number of sessions in program: 36
Average number in attendance per session: 20
Number of times program administered: 4


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: 91
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 3
School Libraries: 6
Other: 2
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 444
Agree: 18
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 439
Agree: 23
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 452
Agree: 11
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 452
Agree: 11
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
In addition to having a well-educated workforce in Oklahoma's Public libraries, there have been many subsequent outcomes. Library staff have been able to meet, connect, and network with each other, providing a support system and serving as a catalyst for ideas and support. Participants in each of the eight classes were given a pretest and post-test. The median percentage of correct answers on the pre-test was 25% and the median percentage of correct answers on the post-test was 94%. As the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) matrix questions indicated, 94% strongly agreed or agreed that the instruction improved their knowledge, that they will apply what they have learned, that the instruction would improve their library’s ability to provide services to the public, and that the instructor was knowledgeable. There were 1,078 students who attended the Public Library Academy classes in 2017-2018, compared to 577 in 2016-2017. Students had the following to say about the classes. “I implemented new outreach programs into my monthly visits to local schools.” “I liked where we divided into groups and came up with a program. Lots of neat ideas.” " I have enjoyed all of my classes.” “I used what I learned to improve my interpersonal skills. I am good at one on one communication, but felt lacking in communicating in larger groups. I have gained greater confidence.” “My researching skills and overall computer knowledge improved and I'm now able to serve the library and patrons more effectively.” “I learned how to reach and interact with youth and get them on the track to being lifelong library patrons.” “I believe that all of these classes have greatly improved my job performance. I enjoyed all of the classes.” “The instructor was so much fun and I learned a lot!!!” “This class was instrumental for our small library to launch new youth programs. We have almost completed the first 6 week class and have requests for many more.” “I am very thankful for the continuing education I am provided through LSTA. I know it helps me be a better library clerk.” “This class equipped me with tools that I use to help patrons locate more complete information. It also increased my understanding of the technology we use in the library.”
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The face-to-face nature of the Public Library Academy provided not only the educational experience necessary to work in a library but also an opportunity to meet others in the profession and network and learn from those in similar jobs. Students learned new skills to improve their library services, customer services and how to handle a myriad of difficult situations. The curriculum was updated this year and placed on PowerPoint for the first time. This allowed for a more interactive presentation and can be more easily updated. New curriculum was developed by the Continuing Education Coordinator and the Instructors. All classes were attended by both for evaluation, editing and further updates. Class updates are essential for libraries and library staff to keep their skills and knowledge current. Continuing education on a personal level is to expand skills and skill-sets through learning and increased knowledge; on a professional level it is about further expanding skills in response to a changing environment and with new developments. Libraries are a place for personal growth and reinvention, a place for help in navigating the information age, a gathering place for civic and cultural engagement and a trusted place for preserving culture. While the technology for accessing library materials has changed and will continue to change, the libraries mission – to inform, to share and to gather – will not. For this to continue, library staff must stay current with the latest developments, skills, and new technologies.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The ODL Lead Officer suggests any library interested in offering a continuing education program do the following: -Make it mandatory for all library employees without a master's degree. -Keep it “fun” with lots of class interaction and group work. Every class, no matter the instructor or the content, has commented on the value of the networking, diversity, and new ideas. -Provide class content and handouts to the participants before class by posting on the class webpage, so the student can look materials over beforehand and prepare for class.
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:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Project Staff
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Administrative Records
Review Surveys
Direct Observation
Participant Observation
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Statistical Methods
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
Census – We selected everyone (or every item).
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: