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G2S Project Code: 2020-MO-84770
State: Missouri
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Mary Olive Joyce
Director Phone: 816 701-3580
Director Email: maryjoyce@kclibrary.org
General Information
Title: CARES Connect: KC Library's Community Response Program
State Project Code: 2021-LBE0-CAR20CN0-9856
Start Date: 07/07/2020
End Date: 06/30/2021
Abstract: In response to the pandemic, Kansas City Public Library created a CARES Connect Program where they purchased laptop-tablets for patrons to checkout.
State Goal: Build and Sustain Information Resources
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$49,813.99
$0.00
$0.00
$49,813.99
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Collection Development & Management
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: CARES Connect Program
Narrative: Kansas City Public Library created a program to support patrons in need of reliable access to WiFi and digital resources. After researching potential devices, 57 Microsoft Surface Go devices and accessories were purchased August 6, 2020. Because of back-order, the devices did not arrive until October 22, 2020. Devices were then set up with software to meet programming needs and CIPA requirements. Documentation to support the program was created. The devices were then used in five different community programs over the grant period.

The first program was a mobile aid program for individuals seeking legal advice. The program was held 3 times with a total in attendance of 21 people.

The second program was to provide individuals at a local church to have internet access to register for government benefits. The program was held twice with 9 sessions per program. The total attendance was 35 people.

The third program was to provide 15 of the devices to the Global FC organization to use in employment workshops for young adults. One program was held with a total attendance of 9 people.

The fourth program lent out 20 mobile devices at various hotels that were members of the Houseless Hotel Project. 50 people used this resource when the program was open between May 26, 2020 and July 15, 2020.

The last program was the Humana Health Screening, where 3 devices were used at an employee health screening to provide access to an online health assessment. The program had 13 sessions with a total attendance of 40 people.

The various programs were promoted through community partners hosting the programs, press releases to multiple local newspapers and media outlets.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 0
Number of acquired equipment used: 0
Number of hardware items acquired: 0
Number of acquired hardware items used: 0
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 57
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 57


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: Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Below Poverty
Unemployed
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: KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 913 BALTIMORE AVE
City: KANSAS CITY
State: MO
Zip: 64105
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The CARES Connect Program allowed the library to continue to provide patrons with digital services, especially in communities with little to no internet access. The program also formed partnerships between the library and community organizations.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Survey results show that 28% of individuals had not visited the library in the last year and 15% visited only rarely. This suggests that making devices available outside KCPL locations provides individuals greater access to internet and digital resources.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Finding a location with the ability to host and support such programs was difficult and needed more pre-planning for the programs to be more successful.
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:
Less effort will be allocated towards promotion and more effort towards managing and gaining local partnerships, developing programs, scheduling and delivering devices.
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: Pandemic Response, Technology Upgrade