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G2S Project Code: 2017-MN-79946
State: Minnesota
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
RAMSEY COUNTY LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Carrie Lyons
Director Phone: 651-724-6046
Director Email: carrie.f.lyons@co.ramsey.mn.us
General Information
Title: Expanding Services and Reach with the Pop-up Library
State Project Code:
Start Date: 11/15/2017
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: Ramsey County Library provided small-scale pop-up library service to low-income residents, new immigrants, seniors, individuals transitioning from corrections, and individuals unaware of the library's resources. Services included library registration, materials for loan, reference, and internet access via laptop computers. Programs like storytimes, book talks and digital literacy instruction were offered. The Pop-Up Library staff engaged over 4,000 people at 19 community sites. Users discovered library resources and were attracted to branch libraries and digital library resources.

State Goal: Increase access to library resources
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$26,099.98
$0.00
$0.00
$26,099.98
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Adult Literacy
Outreach & Partnerships
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Pop-Up Library Events
Narrative: The Pop-Up Library brought staff expertise and a suite of library services into the community. Users consulted with staff, received library cards, borrowed materials and learned how to download ebooks and access information databases. The library reached audiences that might not use library resources otherwise, increased their comfort level and encouraged ongoing use of branch libraries and digital resources.

Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: In-person


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 4,049
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 337


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: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Indian
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Pacific
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: City of White Bear Lake
Address: 4701 US Highway 61
City: White Bear Lake
State: MN
Zip: 55110
Name: Community School of Excellence
Address: 270 Larpenteur Ave W
City: St Paul
State: MN
Zip: 55113
Name: District 623, Adult Basic Education
Address: 1910 County B Rd W
City: Roseville
State: MN
Zip: 55113
Name: Ramsey County Library
Address: 4560 N Victoria St
City: Shoreview
State: MN
Zip: 55126
Name: Ramsey County Parks and Recreation
Address: 2015 Van Dyke St
City: Maplewood
State: MN
Zip: 55109
Name: Silvercrest Communities, Brightondale Campus
Address: 2700 Rice Creek Rd
City: New Brighton
State: MN
Zip: 55112
Name: Volunteers of America Minnesota Residential Re-entry Center
Address: 1771 Kent St
City: Roseville
State: MN
Zip: 55113
Name: YMCA Maplewood Community Center
Address: 2100 White Bear Ave
City: Maplewood
State: MN
Zip: 55109
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Ramsey County's Pop-Up Library served over 4,000 people at 19 community locations. The library connected with diverse and underrepresented communities where they were. After exposure to library services, people were more apt to visit library branches.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The Pop-Up Library was an effective method of addressing inequities and barriers to library service, building community relationships, and expanding access to lifelong learning for new library users.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Attendance at the Pop-Up Library varied widely depending on the venue's typical foot traffic. Each venue required customized collections and programming. Dedicated staff and collection is the most efficient way to deliver pop-up service.
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:
Yes
Explain:
The library will eliminate locations with low turnout, continue to serve successful locations and expand Pop-Up Library locations where services are needed. The library will target high-impact areas and senior housing facilities.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
The library will collaborate with neighboring public library systems so that non-residents can be issued library cards at Pop-Up Library locations.
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: Pop-Up Library, community engagement