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G2S Project Code: 2019-IL-83547
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2019
Grantee
CARBONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Elizabeth Hartman
Director Phone: 618-457-0354
Director Email: ehartman@carbondale.lib.il.us
General Information
Title: Project Next Generation at Carbondale Public Library
State Project Code: 20-3006-PNG
Start Date: 07/01/2019
End Date: 08/15/2020
Abstract: Project Next Generation (PNG) was an integral part of youth programming at Carbondale Public Library. It provided 5th through 8th grade students the opportunity to learn and interact with their peers in a safe, encouraging, and stimulating environment. Four different programs over the course of the year helped participants gain exposure to the arts, sciences, and technology through a variety of age-appropriate, entertaining activities. The activities were interactive, engaging all the senses and addressing all learning styles, from visual to kinetic. Students gained access to a wide variety of technology, which they learned to utilize for both learning and leisure. Participation built intellectual and life skills, cultivated creativity, and developed confidence.  Participants formed a diverse social network of peers from all over the area.  This project provided educational opportunities, supported information fluency and lifelong learning; aligned with the federal LSTA priority to expand services for learning and access to information and education resources; and improved learners’ general knowledge and skills.

State Goal: Goal 2: Lifelong Learning.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$20,534.00
$0.00
$0.00
$20,534.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
After-school activities
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Code Club
Narrative: Code Club was the theme for the 2019 fall PNG program. The library director and a program mentor led participants through a series of engaging, project-based workshops that developed their understanding of coding concepts. The workshops were divided into 2 separate sessions: Game Design and Girls Who Code.

Game Design participants received hands-on computer programming experience through designing their own video games. Participants used Scratch - a black-based visual programming platform designed for middle-schoolers - guided by Google's CS First coding curriculum. 

Girls Who Code participants developed a coding project of their choosing and utilized a diverse set of web design, coding, digital art, and robotic tools to realize their project. Projects included: an assistive technology robot; a virtual reality game; a website documenting dance history; and a video game that taught users about recycling.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 15
Average number in attendance per session: 10
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
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Asian
Black
Hispanic
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: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CARBONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 405 WEST MAIN STREET
City: CARBONDALE
State: IL
Zip: 62901
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 6
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 8
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 7
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 6
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: STEAM Machine
Narrative: STEAM Machine was the theme for the 2020 spring PNG session.  The PNG director and project mentor led participants through a series of engaging, interdisciplinary workshops with various STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) focuses.

5 workshops focused on graphic design, in which participants utilized multiple digital art tools to create artwork. Participants learned about fundamental digital art and technology concepts like file formats, generational decay, resolution, transparency, and layers. They also learned mathematical and geometric concepts by making physical "string art" with wood and thread.

5 workshops were slated to focus on science and engineering; however, only 1 workshop could be held due to the pandemic, in which The Southern Illinois University STEM Education Research Center showcased their Little River Research & Design EmRiver2 Stream Table and discussed fluvial geomorphology with participants. The rest of the program was adapted to an e-newsletter format and included resources and activities in astronomy, art, and coding.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

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


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 7
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
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Asian
Black
Hispanic
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: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CARBONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 405 WEST MAIN STREET
City: CARBONDALE
State: IL
Zip: 62901
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 1
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 1
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Dig Deeper
Narrative: "Dig Deeper" was the theme for the June 2020 summer PNG program, which was held virtually due to the pandemic. The PNG director and project mentor provided activity kits, video demos, resources, and support for participants to develop their scientific and creative skills through a series of kinesthetic and online projects. Participants learned about geology, exogeology, anthropology, and paleontology, and were encouraged to "dig deeper" by using critical thinking and investigating philosophical questions about the nature of technology.

This virtual program was structured to mirror in-person meetings. 4 weekly activity kits were distributed, with the time expected to complete the 2-4 activities included intended to equal the duration of 2 weekly sessions (90 minutes each).

Projects included: Southern Illinois stratigraphic column sand art; "Oreo Earth" plate tectonics; "Rock Collectors" geology board game; fossil creation; planet habitability modeling; and early art technology (paper, paintbrushes, paint).

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 8
Average number in attendance per session: 19
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
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Asian
Black
Hispanic
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: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CARBONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 405 WEST MAIN STREET
City: CARBONDALE
State: IL
Zip: 62901
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Summer Fun
Narrative: Summer Fun was the theme for the July portion of the 2019 summer PNG program. The PNG director and project mentor led participants through a series of engaging and education activities, with each week focusing on a different STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) based focus.

Week 1's theme was Camp Crafts. Participants made key chains and lapel pins with Perler beads and Shrinky Dinks and learned how heat changes the state of plastic and causes it to stick together and shrink.

Video/Photo studio was the theme for Week 2 and 3. Participants worked in pairs to create photographic portraits, stop motion animation, and green screen videography. Participants experimented with lighting, composition, and focus to create illusions.

Week 4's theme was VR (Virtual Reality). Participants got to experiment with immersive reality technologies to build and solve challenges in VR.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 8
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
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Asian
Black
Hispanic
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: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CARBONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 405 WEST MAIN STREET
City: CARBONDALE
State: IL
Zip: 62901
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
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:
55 unique participants in grades 5-8 attended, 29 of whom were new to the program. With a cumulative headcount of 407 participants, the library created a racially and culturally diverse group from all of the local area schools as well as home schoolers, allowing for social growth through positive peer interactions. All participants gained exposure to and received instruction on new technology in a safe, structured learning environment.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
PNG provided middle schoolers a safe place to spend free hours, access to new technology, and rich learning opportunities. There are no other comparable, free programs offered in the area for this age group and it provided the only Internet and computer access that many participants have outside of school. Because of PNG, there were 407 trips to the library by our participants, many of whom might not have become library users otherwise.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The PNG program had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic for part of its Spring session and its entire June session. There are a variety of ways that a PNG program can be offered in at-home and virtual environments, including take-home kits and video demonstrations. 9 participants in the June session were new to PNG, showing that the new format attracted participants that could not attend in-person PNG in the past due to schedule constraints or other factors.
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 COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes in how the Carbondale Public Library offers its programming, as no in-person programming is planned for at least the remainder of 2020. More effort is required in transforming programming into new formats, such as virtual meetings, virtual spaces, and take-home activity kits, including procedures for loaning technological equipment and managing virtual spaces.
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:
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: technology, social skills, science