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G2S Project Code: 2017-OK-79084
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: Game Changer
State Project Code: 175517
Start Date: 10/01/2016
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract:
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) presented a workshop series, Libraries=Education at three locations around the state. Game Changer, written and presented by Valerie J. Gross, MM, MLS, JD, focused on transforming the image of libraries through the choice of words used by members of the library profession. Ms. Gross, who served as president & CEO of Howard County Library System in Maryland for 16 years, encouraged the use of educational terminology to better articulate what libraries already provide in their communities. Library staff learned that their words matter and influence the perception of the library in each community.
Ms. Gross introduced 3 pillars: self-directed education; research assistance and instruction; and instructive and enlightening experiences. She encouraged the use of educational language, which she feels better informs the public and library customers as to what happens in libraries. For example, story time is not just reading to children, but teaching reading fundamentals, providing social interaction, recognition of colors, numbers, and rhyming.
Attendees were encouraged to establish a partnership with schools in their jurisdiction, including community colleges and universities; to use signs, ads, and their websites as teaching opportunities; to deliver an effective and educational annual report; and, how to incorporate strategic planning.


State Goal: Goal 2: Institutional Capacity
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$7,235.00
$0.00
$0.00
$7,235.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Education
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Game Changer
Narrative: One hundred ninety seven library staff attended workshops in three locations around the state. Attendees were from public libraries, school libraries, and several local university libraries. Valerie Gross presented Libraries=Education which: redefines libraries in an innovative way that conveys their true worth; teaches how to incorporate value-enhancing words into everyday lexicon; and provides guidance on introducing the Libraries=Education philosophy and strategic vocabulary concepts to staff, library boards, friends groups, and the public.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 360
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 65
Number of times program administered: 3


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
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: 108
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 46
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 91
Agree: 85
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: 83
Agree: 87
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 5
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 81
Agree: 92
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 81
Agree: 87
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 7
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Staff learned how to present libraries in an educational light based on descriptive and informative words selection. Participants learned why language should be changed, how to implement the changes, and understood that through implementing new educational words library users, non-library users, boards, and staff will have a clear understanding of what the library provides to the community.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
This workshop helped librarians understand that the way in which individuals perceive something affects whether or not they find it important, or value its services. It helped the participants understand that language establishes the ideas of library as community center, cultural center, and brings people together to discuss ideas and form community partnerships. It informs communities of the library as an educational center for lifelong learning, and activities that educate, instruct, and teach. Ninety eight percent of workshop evaluations participants either agreed or strongly agreed that they learned something, they are confident about using what they learned, they are likely to apply what they learned, they are more likely to participate in a similar library activity, they are more likely to use the new terminology, and they enjoyed the workshop. Some comments from the seminars were: “This is such a great idea, I don’t know why we aren’t already doing this.” “How smart!” “Every library should use this language. It helps our customers really know what we have to offer.” “As a former educator, I understand the importance of helping people understand that libraries are also educators and we need to make sure everyone knows they educate people of all ages.” “I love this. Thank you!” “I know what story time is, so I assumed everyone did. I didn’t realize how important it is to explain exactly what it is from an educational standpoint.” “People always say, oh, I didn’t know you could get that/do that at the library. I realize now it may be because we did not tell them. I realize now how important it is to convey exactly what we do using descriptive language.” "Thank you, this was so valuable.”
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
For those wanting to hold a workshop similar to this, remember: 1. Engage in effective communication with the presenter. Make sure you know what they want, expect, and need for you to do in preparation for the workshop. 2. Check your budget, and make sure it has been approved. 3. Advertise, advertise, advertise. You can't do enough. People are busy with demanding jobs. You need to inspire people, engage them, and motivate them to attend your workshop!
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
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: