View Project

G2S Project Code: 2017-OK-79061
State: Oklahoma
Fiscal Year: 2017

Grantee
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES

Project Director
Director Name: Wendy Gabrielson
Director Phone: 405-522-3322
Director Email: wendy.gabrielson@libraries.ok.gov

General Information
Title: Continuing Education for Public Librarians
State Project Code: 172102
Start Date: 10/01/2016
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: The Oklahoma Library Association hosts an annual conference for public, academic, school, special and digital librarians. This conference is vital to the growth and continuing education of all library staff in the state. It provides a stage for the introduction of new technology, discussion of new ideas and vital networking between library staff. The conference offers an opportunity to hear authors discuss their books, learn about new programs and apps and discuss problems faced in all libraries. Most full time staff, especially those with master’s degrees, can afford to attend this conference on their own, or they are sponsored by their library system. Rural, small, and part-time staff without master’s degrees cannot afford to attend this conference and therefore risk missing out on this very important opportunity to learn, grow, and network with other librarians. Library staff who have completed the Oklahoma Department of Library's (ODL) Public Library Academy and received their certification may apply for this grant to attend the conference. Thirty-one library staff received funding to attend a state, regional or national conference to learn crucial skills, new program ideas, and expand their horizons by networking with others in a similar situation or entirely different circumstances.

State Goal: Goal 2: Institutional Capacity

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$15,500.80

$0.00

$15,500.80

Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Library Skills

Activities
Activity Details
Title: OLA Conference
Narrative: Activity: The Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) Annual Conference was held April 23-25, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The theme was Dare to Imagine. The three day conference included 39 session options, receptions, and an all-conference event. Samples of sessions included: Sequoyah Authors, Grant Writing, Practical Skills for Homelessness, Library Makeovers, Revitalizing Senior Services, Collaboration with School Libraries, Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO), Self-Censorship, Storytime, Circulation, Flipgrid, Outreach 101, Coding, and Adult Services.

Librarians from across the state attended representing public, school, academic and special libraries. It was an opportunity to learn, collaborate, engage, and network. It remains vital for librarians to expand their skills in order to better serve their local communities.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 32
Average number in attendance per session: 8
Number of times program administered: 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: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ELGIN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 8171 SH 17
City: Elgin
State: OK
Zip: 73538
Name: ENID-PUBLIC LIBRARY OF ENID AND GARFIELD CO
Address: 120 W. MAINE
City: ENID
State: OK
Zip: 73701
Name: GUTHRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 201 N DIVISION
City: GUTHRIE
State: OK
Zip: 73044
Name: KINGFISHER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 505 WEST WILL ROGERS DR.
City: KINGFISHER
State: OK
Zip: 73750
Name: LOCUST GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 715 E. HAROLD ANDREWS BLVD
City: LOCUST GROVE
State: OK
Zip: 74352
Name: MARLOW - GARLAND SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 702 W Main
City: MARLOW
State: OK
Zip: 73055
Name: MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 N MAIN
City: MIAMI
State: OK
Zip: 74354
Name: PERRY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Address: 302 N 7TH ST
City: PERRY
State: OK
Zip: 73077
Name: PIEDMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1129 STOUT STREET NW
City: PIEDMONT
State: OK
Zip: 73078
Name: PONCA CITY LIBRARY
Address: 515 EAST GRAND
City: PONCA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 74601
Name: SAPULPA - BARTLETT CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 27 W DEWEY
City: SAPULPA
State: OK
Zip: 74066
Name: STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1107 S. DUCK
City: STILLWATER
State: OK
Zip: 74074
Name: TALIHINA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 900 Second ST
City: Talihina
State: OK
Zip: 74571
Name: TONKAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 216 N. SEVENTH
City: TONKAWA
State: OK
Zip: 74653
Name: WAGONER CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 302 N. MAIN
City: WAGONER
State: OK
Zip: 74467
Name: WALTERS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 202 NORTH BROADWAY
City: WALTERS
State: OK
Zip: 73572
Name: WISTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 211 Plum ST
City: Wister
State: OK
Zip: 74966
Name: YUKON - MABEL C. FRY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1200 LAKESHORE DRIVE
City: YUKON
State: OK
Zip: 73099
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 31
Agree: 0
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: 28
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 31
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 30
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Small and Rural Libraries Conference
Narrative: The Association for Small and Rural Libraries annual conference was held in Springfield, Illinois on September 13-15. The conference offered 26 sessions which included topics such as Audit 101; Job Descriptions; Increase Circulation; Engage and Empower; Library Within Community; Big Problems, Little Budget; and 30 Ways to Make Your Library Extraordinary. The conference also discussed assisting people in poverty through the library and its services. Statistics show that every librarian has had an interaction with someone living in poverty. This presentation provided a discussion of the characteristics of poverty and the challenges faced by those living in poverty.

Two library staff from Oklahoma attended this conference. It was an opportunity to learn, collaborate, engage, and network. It remains vital for librarians to expand their skills in order to better serve their local communities. Both attendees reported that the opportunity to discuss their libraries and ideas with others was very useful. Following are a few comments from the two attendees. "I left this session feeling confident about including STEM activities into storytime." "I didn't realize how important it is to have a strategic plan." "I learned health is the second most popular online search, and that eight out of ten inquiries start with a search engine." "I plan to work with staff to familiarize them with the online health resources available and do some practice searching." "I was impressed with STARNet's mission to utilize NASA's resources to help libraries create experiences for library customers across the country to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. I've visited the STARnet site, and registered for a webinar called "Bringing a Universe of Stories to your Library."
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 18
Average number in attendance per session: 2
Number of times program administered: 0

Partner Information

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: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: LOCUST GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 715 E. HAROLD ANDREWS BLVD
City: LOCUST GROVE
State: OK
Zip: 74352
Name: PIEDMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1129 STOUT STREET NW
City: PIEDMONT
State: OK
Zip: 73078
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
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: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Continuing Education Grants were awarded to 31 recipients who attended either the Oklahoma Library Association Conference or the Association of Rural and Small Libraries Conference. Each recipient was required to be certified through the Public Library Academy, meet salary requirements, and complete each of the other requirements. Grant requirements were: complete application with a budget estimate and 3 measurable goals for the conference; participate in a conference call; attend the conference; provide a post-conference report which included individual summaries of each session, and whether or not they met their 3 measurable goals. All recipients were also required to attend the Continuing Education Reception at OLA. One-hundred percent reported learning a new skill, idea, author, technology or some other benefit that improved their professional skills. One-hundred percent reported that these new skills would benefit their customers and make their library a better place. All attendees reported that the opportunity to discuss their libraries and ideas with others was very useful. Comments included: “Katlin Seagraves is an extremely smart and enthusiastic speaker. The session was filled to full capacity with knowledge on the latest apps. Our librarians did not even get home before we were downloading new apps. This was a fun and extremely useful session. Thirty apps were presented and gone over. Several of the apps can be used in programming and cyber security. Wonderful session!!!” “Meeting other librarians from around the state was great.” “The conference made a positive impact on me. It provided me with new insight to do my job better and gave me the opportunity to network with other librarians from around the state. I returned to my job refreshed, renewed, and reminded of what an important role that I am in.” “Thank you for the opportunity to attend this year’s OLA conference! It was an excellent opportunity to make new connections, and share ideas across our profession. I especially appreciated the keynote speaker’s message, as it was a good reminder that our words are a reflection of our mission. If our words are positive, then our mission is positive. Even though it seems hectic while we are there, OLA is an excellent means to renew our focus on our purpose.” “Overall, OLA 2018 Dare to Imagine, was an insightful experience. Already, lessons learned have been applied at the Guthrie Public Library.” “It was a plethora of information on technology, apps, and programs and how that can be utilized to help your students learn in an interactive social platform.” “I’ve come away from this conference feeling like my head is exploding with information and I have sooooo many things I want to do now.” “My overall impression of this conference is that every new librarian should attend this conference. I learned more in these few days than I did in two years. Aside from the wonderful information saturation the classes and sessions provided, I was left with the lasting impression that I am not alone.” “The 2018 OLA conference was an invigorating and inspiring event.” “There was such energy at the conference. It made me more conscience of the power that we have as a group and the impact we have as individuals. With all of the information presented, I left knowing that I now had a greater ability to better serve my patrons and community.” “Upon leaving this conference I wanted to rush back to my library and join the Oklahoma Library Association. Learning about the Oklahoma Library Association was just as beneficial to me as each session I attended.” "This is the best conference I have attended. The classes were so informative and really increased my knowledge and awareness on new resources available, new programming ideas, best practices for weeding and networking with other librarians."
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Outcomes show that the conference has a direct impact on having an informed and trained library staff in Oklahoma. Surveys were sent to all 31 grant recipients. One-hundred percent responded with either agreed or strongly agreed that the conference improved their knowledge, they are likely to apply what they have learned, the instruction will improve their library’s ability to provide services to the public, and that the sessions provided relevant information. Grant recipients also reported services or outreach that changed after attending the conference were: “connected with local organization to help homeless customers,” “updating programming for children and teen to include technology,” “I am implementing a new volunteer program,” “I added new apps to my social media network.” Other comments about the conference included: "In a nutshell, the conference was a great way to meet like-minded individuals and learn from each other. It was a great experience and one I hope to repeat next year.” “I just loved it and would love to go again.” I really enjoyed OLA because it allows us to get a fresh perspective every year and connect with the broader community of Oklahoma librarians.” “Had great fun with the family feud spin-off it was a nice change of pace for me.” “I loved reference rumble. It was so much fun watching fellow librarians compete in a family feud game. The hosts even had the sound effects and commercials like the show. All library conferences should have a game show competition.” “It is a good way to see new technology and learn about upcoming trends in the library field.”
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The Project Director suggests any other library looking to extend a grant opportunity like this do the following: -Require narrative reports per session. They give a much clearer picture of the conference from the attendee's point of view. -Put the grant out as early as possible so attendees have plenty of time to book a room and register. -Make due dates well before the actual need for applications/reports/etc. to be returned. -Create clear and simple forms, and keep track of all information so it will be readily available for reporting. -For the survey, ask only a few and very specific questions so that it is manageable and easy to tally. -Simplify!!
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: Continuing Education for Librarians