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G2S Project Code: 2017-NC-79246
State: North Carolina
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
Gaston College

Project Director
Director Name: Libby Stone
Director Phone: 704-922-6358
Director Email: stone.libby@gaston.edu
General Information
Title: GASTON COLLEGE LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN
State Project Code: 5344
Start Date: 07/01/2017
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: The primary mission of the Gaston College Library is to serve as an integral part of the institution’s teaching, learning, and service functions. Through an initial survey of Gaston College students, faculty and staff, results demonstrated that the Gaston College Libraries are under-utilized and that the campus community does not recognize the availability of the programs and services offered in the library. The Gaston College Library utilized grant funds, with the assistance of RB Software & Consulting, Inc., for the development of a strategic plan of service to improve the patron access and utilization of the library for 18,000 students, faculty and staff.
State Goal: 2. Continuing Education
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$29,471.40
$0.00
$6,300.00
$35,771.40
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Strategic Planning
Narrative: A survey was conducted of users of the Morris Library to determine their level of use of and satisfaction with the library’s services and resources, and to gather their ideas about the future direction of the library. Two focus groups (one for faculty and staff and one for students) were conducted to discuss their ideas for the future direction of the library. An assessment was conducted of the library’s current technologies and their strengths and weaknesses.  Recommendations were delivered regarding the information technologies that will best support the patron services and administrative functions of the library. An assessment was conducted of the ability of the existing library facility to support the service goals of the library.  Recommendations were delivered regarding ways to improve the facility’s ability to support the service goals of the library. Meetings occurred with staff to develop a strategic plan of service for the Morris Library, which will include service priorities, goals, and objectives for the next five years.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: Third party


Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 1
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 1


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: Gaston College
Address: 201 Hwy 321 S
City: Dallas
State: NC
Zip: 28034
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The consultants gave recommendations on the following areas: library facilities; technology; staffing and organization; collection analysis and assessment; website; marketing; funding; and ongoing assessment. Dr. Burgin had a final meeting with library staff to develop a timeline, identify persons responsible, and finalize a five-year strategic plan. Students and faculty indicated in the surveys that they would like to have more collaborative spaces for study, so library staff will convert several existing rooms at the Morris Library into group study rooms and collaborative spaces. Staff will work with IT to plan the replacement of aging computers in the library as well as improve bandwidth and Wi-Fi access. Supervisors will emphasize staff training. Staff will review and revise the current collection development plan to address future collection needs, especially the balance between print and non-print resources. Staff will continue marketing efforts. Staff will work more closely with the college business and Foundation offices for possible increased funding opportunities.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Based on the usage of existing collaborative spaces, in Fall 2020 staff will consider the recommendations by Mr. Beagle to use perimeter positioning to create two group work spaces on the first floor in the library. Staff will continue to investigate housing the Writing Center and other student support services in the library with the Associate Vice President. Staff will design and implement a staffing plan to reflect present and future staff needs. Staff will survey user satisfaction and continually evaluate and update the strategic plan.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Getting the grant was easy, but you have to make sure that other staff are on board with the project. You need their buy-in to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. Communication is extremely important - as project manager it was my job to keep everyone informed. The more information you can share, the better. People can feel threatened by possible change, so if they are kept in the loop and invited to share their opinions and points-of-view, everyone will be much happier with the process and with the end result.
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:
Yes
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: Strategic Planning, Space Planning, Technology Planning