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G2S Project Code: 2019-CA-83209
State: California
Fiscal Year: 2019
Grantee
PACIFIC LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP

Project Director
Director Name: Carol Frost
Director Phone: 650-349-5538
Director Email: frost@plpinfo.org
General Information
Title: Literacy Initiatives 2019/20
State Project Code: 40-8990
Start Date: 07/01/2019
End Date: 08/31/2020
Abstract: The Literacy Initiatives project provided training, technical assistance, and resources for staff, volunteers, and learners in California’s public library literacy programs.
 
California has high levels of low literacy, and library literacy programs have high levels of staff turnover. The Literacy Initiatives project addresses the need for staff and volunteers to receive robust training and support to deliver high-quality services. The project provided literacy staff, volunteers, and learners with programs and resources that focused on: outreach to learners, learner assessment, learner leadership, and encouraging learners to engage with their communities and the voting process; tutor recruitment, tutor training, and tutoring resources; family literacy; using data; outcome-based evaluation; and how to continue services during the pandemic.
 
Multiple planned activities could not be completed due to the pandemic and staff ill-health, including an adult learner leadership institute, program-to-program site visits, Harwood-style community conversations with learners and tutors, and a mentoring program.

State Goal: Goal 2: Deliver Essential Literacy Services
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$214,130.00
$0.00
$19,270.00
$233,400.00
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Literacy
Library Skills
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Instructional Program Series for the Library Literacy Workforce
Narrative: The Literacy Initiatives project included a training series for library literacy staff and volunteers to improve adult and family literacy services in 106 California public libraries. Training was delivered in person and online and encompassed a range of topics, including: outreach to learners, learner assessment, learner leadership, and encouraging learners to engage with their communities and the voting process; tutor recruitment, tutor training, and tutoring resources; family literacy services; using data effectively; outcome-based evaluation; an orientation for new library literacy coordinators; and continuing services during the pandemic while library buildings were closed and social distancing was in place.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 171
Number of sessions in program: 21
Average number in attendance per session: 43
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: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 233
Agree: 123
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 5
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 175
Agree: 155
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 29
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 4
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 182
Agree: 107
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 14
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 4
Non-Response: 57
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 201
Agree: 125
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 26
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 6
Non-Response: 6
Activity Details
Title: Voting Workshop Series for Adult Learners
Narrative: The Literacy Initiatives project delivered a series of Key to Community workshops which encouraged adult learners to engage with their communities and helped them become more knowledgeable about and comfortable with voting processes. The workshops were co-designed and presented by adult learner leaders. They facilitated peer-to-peer dialogue and community engagement, and built confidence among all participating learners. They also helped learner leader facilitators develop leadership skills. Survey respondents reported that after the workshops they understood more about how to vote (92%) and knew more about why it’s important to vote (93%).

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 111
Number of sessions in program: 14
Average number in attendance per session: 12
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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
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: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: A. K. SMILEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 125 W. VINE ST.
City: REDLANDS
State: CA
Zip: 92373
Name: BERKELEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 2090 KITTREDGE STREET
City: BERKELEY
State: CA
Zip: 94704
Name: NAPA COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 580 COOMBS ST.
City: NAPA
State: CA
Zip: 94559
Name: OAKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 125 14TH ST.
City: OAKLAND
State: CA
Zip: 94612
Name: PLACENTIA LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 411 E. CHAPMAN AVE.
City: PLACENTIA
State: CA
Zip: 92870
Name: ROSEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 225 TAYLOR ST.
City: ROSEVILLE
State: CA
Zip: 95678
Name: SACRAMENTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 828 I ST.
City: SACRAMENTO
State: CA
Zip: 95814
Name: SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 820 E ST.
City: SAN DIEGO
State: CA
Zip: 92101
Name: SANTA CLARA CITY LIBRARY
Address: 2635 HOMESTEAD ROAD
City: SANTA CLARA
State: CA
Zip: 95051
Name: SOLANO COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 1150 KENTUCKY ST.
City: FAIRFIELD
State: CA
Zip: 94533
Name: SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 840 W. ORANGE AVE.
City: SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
State: CA
Zip: 94080
Name: STANISLAUS COUNTY FREE LIBRARY
Address: 1500 I ST.
City: MODESTO
State: CA
Zip: 95354
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 54
Agree: 45
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 45
Agree: 51
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 8
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 49
Agree: 44
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 9
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 54
Agree: 41
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 8
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 49
Agree: 40
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 14
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Technical Assistance and Support for the Library Literacy Workforce
Narrative: The Literacy Initiatives project delivered consultation services to library literacy staff and volunteers to improve adult and family literacy services in 106 California public libraries. The consultations took place in person and online and covered a variety of topics relating to adult and family literacy services, including: learner leadership; encouraging learners to engage with their communities and the voting process; family literacy services; outcome-based evaluation; and continuing services during the pandemic while library buildings were closed and social distancing was in place.


Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 94
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 6


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: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Family Literacy Evaluation Framework
Narrative: The Literacy Initiatives project developed an evaluation framework for library literacy programs that deliver family literacy services. The framework will help programs capture their progress toward the California Library Literacy Services’ vision for family literacy services; help programs communicate their successes and tell their stories in terms of the statewide vision for family literacy services; and support programs in planning and implementing services for adults with low literacy skills and their families. The framework has been well-received by the field. For example: “It is supportive, informative, and convenient.” “Thank you for providing a solid structure for family literacy programs.”

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 1
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: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 8
Agree: 17
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 9
Agree: 16
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Easy Voter Guide
Narrative: The Literacy Initiatives project supported the development of an Easy Voter Guide in relation to the California Presidential Primary Election and the Presidential Election. The Easy Voter Guide makes available nonpartisan information about why vote, how to vote, and what’s on the ballot to as many Californians as possible. The Guide is made accessible and available to adult learners through California Library Literacy Services programs.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Combined physical & digital


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 2
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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
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: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Key to Community Toolkit
Narrative: The Literacy Initiatives project developed a Key to Community toolkit which provides literacy program staff with strategies, key concepts, links, and a complete workshop outline that can be adapted for classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions. The toolkit was developed in partnership with adult learners. Feedback from the library literacy community included: “Great information, easy to understand, and visually appealing.” “Love it!  Great source of information for our learners and community.” “Excellent resource.  Well designed, easy to find what you're looking for and lots of ready-to-use tools.”

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital


Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 1
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: 106
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 21
Agree: 13
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 20
Agree: 14
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:

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:
In a field with high staff turnover, training and resources need to be provided (and sometimes repeated) regularly. California’s public library literacy programs are delivered according to an established planning and evaluation framework and set of program essentials. We have discovered that, because program coordinators and staff often change, we need to maintain a regular training schedule and comprehensive resources—ranging from program basics to enrichment topics—to ensure that programs across the state align with the essentials and are delivered effectively to adult learners and their families. We have also learned that while in-person training is optimal, training can be delivered effectively online when using services that allow participants to interact with one another, for example the Zoom platform.
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: Literacy, public libraries, professional development