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G2S Project Code: 2018-NV-82020
State: Nevada
Fiscal Year: 2018
Grantee
Western Nevada College

Project Director
Director Name: Niki Gladys
Director Phone: 775-445-3239
Director Email: niki.gladys@wnc.edu
General Information
Title: WNC Library Reimagined
State Project Code: 18-15
Start Date: 07/01/2018
End Date: 06/30/2019
Abstract: After a 38% decline in library usage over the previous six years, WNC realized the library had to change. To address this growing problem, WNC Library actively developed new partnerships with student and faculty groups and reimagined library services to remove barriers and better meet the needs of these new partners. In doing so, the WNC Library staff and resources have become an influencer and an integral part of WNC life. As a result, the library saw a 78% increase in usage spring 2019 over spring 2018. WNC has hosted transfer days, community night, Nursing orientation, Latino Cohort kickoff, a Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents event, and a WNC Foundation event. With the renovations these events have accommodated up to 120 people with space for more, something unprecedented in WNC Library history.

Project partners: 
Western Nevada College- matched LSTA funds dollar for dollar
Western Nevada College Foundation- fundraises in support of WNC and the Library
NV Energy- Grantor
Carson City Rotary Foundation- Granter
JoAnn Sheerin in memory of Gary Sheerin-donor
Olivia Lloyd- donor

Project partners: 
Western Nevada College- matched LSTA funds dollar for dollar
Western Nevada College Foundation- fundraises in support of WNC and the Library
NV Energy- Grantor
Carson City Rotary Foundation- Granter
JoAnn Sheerin in memory of Gary Sheerin-donor
Olivia Lloyd- donor
State Goal: Goal 4: Build capacity of libraries to meet evolving information access needs.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$100,000.00
$0.00
$86,757.82
$186,757.82
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Education
Buildings & Facilities
Activities
Activity Details
Title: WNC Library Space Reconfiguration
Narrative: This project included the purchasing of furniture necessary to create a flexible and ADA compliant environment that encourages student collaboration, provided space for both intense, quiet study and lively debate. It offers mediascape technology for creating and practicing presentations while being durable enough to withstand increased use from students as well as members of the public. 

Quotes from students post-space update:
Write on glass: This is awesome!!!; People here are so nice; the big circulation desk felt so impersonal. This is nice that you've broken down the power structure between librarians and students; There's so much potential in here for students to work; I didn't know this place was so big; I like how you've make more spaces for us; I love this place. It is so open and accessible. It encourages anyone to come in and use the facility; Awesome tutors helping me in Calculus and Accounting. I'm thankful for coaches and the friendly environment; I would have registered for classes sooner if I knew this is what the library looked like; If I had a place like this to study I wouldn't have waited till I was 30 to jump into college!

Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 294
Number of acquired equipment used: 294


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: Suburban
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: Yes: adult students


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Western Nevada College
Address: 2201 West College Parkway
City: Carson City
State: NV
Zip: 89703
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
WNC found the hypothesis that use would increase upon implementing the redesign and learning commons model was correct. Use increased 78% spring over spring. Informal observations show that students are not only visiting the library more frequently , but the lengths of their visits are increasing because there is positive proximity to library staff and academic coaching, chargers and outlets built in, and different levels lot privacy and noise. The project allowed the library to work with faculty to tailor library’s print and digital collection to make it more relevant to academic assignments. Library staff also rearranged books to make the collections more visible and accessible. As a result of the project, WNC library fostered partnerships resulting in usage, events, and programs with faculty through Faculty "student hours" instead of traditional office hours, faculty-led group study sessions, classes held in the library, student groups like student government, Game Club, Homeschool cohort, Psychology Club, Latino Cohort, MESA and more. WNC is willing to discuss and share information with any libraries looking for information on effective library design and student/faculty integration into library space/with librarians/library resources.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:

Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
ADA improvements are essential: Wall-to-wall/floor-to ceiling whiteboards now accommodate people of various heights and in wheelchairs An assortment of standing and sitting height work tables and computer tables Variety of seating types to accommodate different body types Traditional model: designed with the same type of furniture that only accommodated one learning style. Now, rooms and library spaces are designed to meet a variety of learning styles. Technology available in a variety of modes (sitting, standing, dual monitors, larger screens for vision impairments, wifi and laptops for those with mobility issues, etc. Removing barriers to librarian services increased engagement with librarians and library use: Desk removed Academic coach positions created (less intimidating, walk around library) Welcome area created Librarian offices located at welcome area, glass, doors open Self-checkout station added Fostering intentional partnerships with established groups on campus was key. This allowed us to transform established, influential groups on campus into active library stakeholders. .
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:
WNC continues to gather feedback from students, faculty, and the community on how the library and its resources can be improved. WNC has seen an increased demand for academic coaching and other activities supported by WNC Library Reimagined, and has developed faculty training on information literacy to take place in the library and be conducted by library staff.
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: