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G2S Project Code: 2017-MN-79483
State: Minnesota
Fiscal Year: 2017

Grantee
State Library Services - Minnesota Department of Education

Project Director
Director Name: Jennifer R. Nelson
Director Phone: 651-582-9791
Director Email: jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

General Information
Title: Building Library Capacity and Partnerships
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2017
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: State Library Services staff led initiatives focused on building partnerships that connect libraries to one another and to communities and statewide entities to improve services to library users. Webinars, conference presentations and targeted communications connected library staff with key information on library topics. Data collection and reporting demonstrated the central role of public libraries in creating an informed and engaged citizenry and informed policymakers’ plans to improve library services in their communities. The development of a communications plan guided State Library Services communication practices, messaging and presentation to increase the quality and effectiveness of communications about LSTA programs and services to stakeholders.
State Goal: Increase access to library resources

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$105,935.86

$145,442.29

$19,619.81

$270,997.96

Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Research & Statistics
Outreach & Partnerships

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Outreach and Partnerships that Improve Library Services
Narrative:

State Library Services (SLS) coordinated initiatives that connected Minnesota library staff with promising practices and resources that support collaboration at local and state levels to help libraries respond to community needs. Partners included Prepare +Prosper, the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Adult Basic Education (Department of Education), Minnesota Literacy Council, PCs for People, and the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs. Topics included tax preparation, environmental sustainability, career development, literacy,and digital literacy. SLS staff presented sessions on community engagement,data privacy, adult basic education, data analysis and other SLS services at the Minnesota Library Association annual conference as well as local and regional library system staff training events.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 17
Average number in attendance per session: 26

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: 140
Academic Libraries: 108
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 17
Special Libraries: 127
School Libraries: 958
Other: 2

Activity Details
Title: Telling the Library’s Story and Improving Services through Data
Narrative:

Public library data is collected annually. A robust set of indicators track library facilities, technology, services, programs, collections, staffing, community partnerships, income, expenditures, and other input and output measures. The collection tool was revised to delete indicators no longer relevant or used and to reduce the burden on filers. Individual public library data and statewide summaries were compiled and posted online. The State Data Coordinator demonstrated how libraries can tell their stories using data at local and regional meetings.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Retrospective
Format: In-house

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

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 140
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I believe the planning and evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I am satisfied with the extent to which the plan or evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I believe the information from the plan or evaluation will be applied to address library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: State Library Services Communication Plan
Narrative: State Library Services (SLS) conducted a communications audit during May-July 2018 to review its communications about LSTA Five-Year Plan goals, programs and services to Minnesota’s library community. SLS surveyed stakeholders about their use and preferences with SLS communication channels and content, convened a focus group of internal and external stakeholders to review current SLS communication channels and content, and conducted a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis with SLS staff members. The audit results informed the development of a State Library Services Communication Plan which will guide communication practices, messaging and presentation to increase the quality and effectiveness of stakeholder communications about LSTA.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: In-house

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

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 140
Academic Libraries: 108
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 17
Special Libraries: 127
School Libraries: 958
Other: 2

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Leveraging the expertise of state-level partners increased participants’ knowledge of key topics and developed familiarity with diverse agencies, partners and resources. Four hundred forty-four library professionals attended 17 events. Among 110 survey respondents, 70 percent rated the events as good or excellent. The Minnesota Public Library Survey had a 99 percent response rate. The majority (66 to 85 percent) of Minnesota’s public libraries provide services to students at schools, early childhood organizations and child-care centers, seniors at residential facilities, and individuals with disabilities in their homes. More than a third provide services to other community organizations such as home school groups, youth development, arts groups, workforce development centers, and groups who share a common culture. Seventy-eight percent of public libraries partner with one or more organizations to address community needs. Among libraries that have community partnerships, 100 percent raise awareness of community needs, 70 percent provide mutual assistance in working toward a common goal, and 64 percent jointly develop and deliver programs. Among the 166 Minnesota library stakeholders who participated in the State Library Services communications audit, most reported familiarity and satisfaction with current communications practices and expressed interest in learning more about LSTA programs and services. Participants wanted SLS to communicate more with school and rural libraries as well as front-line staff in order to reach stakeholders who feel neglected. They also wanted SLS staff to engage directly and personally with stakeholders and share their individual and combined expertise so stakeholders can benefit more from LSTA programs.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Coordinating and distributing information at the state level increased the number of libraries that benefit from existing tools and resources. More entities looked to libraries as a valuable partner for distributing key information to constituents. Statistical information was used by public libraries and policymakers to support libraries as centers for learning, innovation and collaboration in their communities. A communication plan guided State Library Services in extending its reach and impact in Minnesota's library community.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Partnerships between State Library Services and other government and non-profit organizations increased libraries' capacity to provide information and services to their communities. Public libraries used data to be accountable to taxpayers and policymakers, tell their story, and make the case for improved services.
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:
No
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: data, partnership, collaboration