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G2S Project Code: 2018-NV-81793
State: Nevada
Fiscal Year: 2018
Grantee
Nevada Library Cooperative

Project Director
Director Name: Cyndi O
Director Phone: 775-431-0097
Director Email: director@nvlibrarycoop.org
General Information
Title: NLC Strategic Planning Project
State Project Code: 18-08
Start Date: 07/01/2018
End Date: 06/30/2019
Abstract: The Nevada Library Cooperative (NLC) was formed in 1981 under the name Cooperative Libraries Automated Network (CLAN) in order to assist members in transitioning to automated systems and better utilize early computer technology through sharing an integrated library system. At its height, consortium membership was some 31 member entities representing the entire state outside of Washoe and Clark Counties; current membership numbers 19 libraries representing 42 individual outlets. While the broader library field has experienced tremendous growth and innovation with services and technology, NLC has not re-calibrated its mission to reflect that evolution. 

For this project, the Nevada Library Cooperative hired a professional consultant to facilitate a state-wide strategic planning project, including multiple site visits, focus groups and meetings to determine member needs and priorities. The resulting products were a thorough Needs Assessment and a Five Year Strategic Plan that was formally adopted by the membership in an unprecedented meeting attendance. The plan brought the organization into compliance with state law, reinvigorated the membership and launched the renaissance of the NV Library CoOp.

State Goal: Goal 1: Strengthen Nevada libraries' ability to effectively respond to community needs through training, planning, and assessment.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$49,962.98
$0.00
$40,686.34
$90,649.32
Intent(s)
Improve library operations.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Strategic Plan Pamphlets
Narrative: The content of the full strategic plan was condensed into a colorful, engaging tri-fold promotional pamphlet that could be given to new library customers and local and regional community stakeholders, including municipal officials, civic organizations and businesses and potential partner organizations. It could also be given to non-member entities to highlight the organization's goals and strategic orientation and serve as a recruitment tool.

Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 1
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 0


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: 14
Academic Libraries: 1
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 2
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource 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
Activity Details
Title: Strategic Plan
Narrative: Our project supported the framework and activities that facilitated design and development of a robust, comprehensive and responsive five-year strategic planning document, an accompanying thorough needs assessment and a promotional pamphlet. The completion of the five-year plan brought the organization into compliance with state law and marked the beginning of a new direction and renewed coherence and enthusiasm among the members.


Intent: Improve library operations.

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: 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: 14
Academic Libraries: 1
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 2
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
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
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The most important outcome was the creation of a robust, responsive and ambitious strategic planning document that brought the organization into compliance with state law and set the stage for the next era of the Cooperative. Significant enthusiasm was built from this and the organization enjoyed an unprecedented attendance at the meeting during which the plan was unanimously approved and adopted.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Overwhelming feedback indicated that the most important thing for CoOp and state library leadership is to conduct regular site visits and stay in touch with and be of direct service to the members. This is more difficult given the nature of the state geography and the remoteness of many members but begs deliberate effort and budgeting to support these trips.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
lt is absolutely critical to take the time to conduct regular site visits with member libraries and to listen. Members must feel heard and know that the leadership understands the unique set of circumstances each member is dealing with and be able to address specific needs and desires of the members.
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:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
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:
Direct Observation
Interviews
Focus Groups
Did you collect any media for the data:
Photos
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Statistical Methods
Qualitative Methods
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
Word of mouth – We asked participants to tell their community/friends/family and encourage them to participate.
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: