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G2S Project Code: 2020-CA-84857
State: California
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL FREE LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Crystal Duran
Director Phone: 4422657102
Director Email: crystalduran@co.imperial.ca.us
General Information
Title: Libraries on the Spectrum
State Project Code: 40-9057
Start Date: 07/20/2020
End Date: 08/31/2021
Abstract: The Libraries on the Spectrum Project encouraged families with individuals of all ages with autism to access their local public library to attend educational and recreational programs, borrow resources, and expand their personal networks in a library environment designed to be more comfortable and welcoming.  All five public libraries in Imperial County, including Imperial County Free Library, Brawley Public Library, Camarena Memorial Library, El Centro Public Library, and Imperial Public Library, circulated a collection of autism-specific resources and tools and  provided targeting programming to benefits families with autism.  This project helped both families with autism, as well as empowered all library staff to serve these families. 
State Goal: Goal 1: Equitable Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$80,960.00
$0.00
$50,910.00
$131,870.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.
Collection Development & Management
Programming & Event Planning
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Program Toolkit
Narrative: Project staff drafted a program toolkit documenting implementation and lessons learned for use by other libraries/agencies interested in similar services.  The toolkit details major program activities, lessons learned and opportunities, key partnerships, lists of lending equipment as well as reliable vendors, book selection, equipment lending policy, and other helpful information.  It also details Covid-19 modifications.  The toolkit is over 80 pages and will be available for download in PDF form on the county library's website by November 2021.  The target audience are public library staff form various sizes of libraries.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

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: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CAMARENA MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 850 ENCINAS AVE.
City: CALEXICO
State: CA
Zip: 92231
Name: CITY OF BRAWLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 400 MAIN ST.
City: BRAWLEY
State: CA
Zip: 92227
Name: CITY OF IMPERIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 W. NINTH ST.
City: IMPERIAL
State: CA
Zip: 92251
Name: EL CENTRO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1140 N Imperial Ave.
City: EL CENTRO
State: CA
Zip: 92243
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 10
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: 10
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Virtual Feedback Sessions
Narrative: We hosted two virtual programs by Zoom for parents/family members of autistic individuals who previously participated in in-person programs prior to the Covid-19 shutdown. The intent of the virtual programs was to solicit feedback regarding development of virtual programs due to the new restrictions on in-person programs.  Each session was 90 minutes long and was in English with Spanish translation provided by our partner agency.  Participants include parents/family members, autism services providers, and other advocates.  Participants first reflected on their participation of in-person programs and overwhelmingly expressed positive feedback about the programs and the unfortunate circumstance of their sudden ending because of Covid.  

Participants were asked if they would be interested in virtual programs in-lieu of in-person program for the interim.  Interesting, parents expressed their frustration with virtual schooling and shared that it did not work for their autistic children.  Some parents and providers stated their children could not connect with the content or with their teachers through Zoom.  They overwhelmingly agreed that conducting any type of asynchronous or live virtual programs would not be well received or attended.  This information helped inform program staff of the type of virtual programs, if any, to offer.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 14
Number of times program administered: 2


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: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
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: CAMARENA MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 850 ENCINAS AVE.
City: CALEXICO
State: CA
Zip: 92231
Name: CITY OF BRAWLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 400 MAIN ST.
City: BRAWLEY
State: CA
Zip: 92227
Name: CITY OF IMPERIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 W. NINTH ST.
City: IMPERIAL
State: CA
Zip: 92251
Name: EL CENTRO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1140 N Imperial Ave
City: EL CENTRO
State: CA
Zip: 92243
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 22
Agree: 7
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 1
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 18
Agree: 12
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: 22
Agree: 9
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: 20
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 21
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Collection Lending
Narrative: Two collections of resources were available for lending in the program year.  One collection includes books, DVDs, and audiobooks on topics of interest to families with autism.  The second collection consists of a variety of equipment and tools with items such as noise-reducing headphones, weighted lap pads and vests, communication tools, and sensory integrating/depriving stimuli.  Each library's collection contains a minimum of 50 pieces for circulation.  A lending policy has been drafted by all libraries to include consistent borrowing limits, usage, and fees.  Due to Covid-19 closure, most items, if circulated, were loaned through each library's curbside service.  Borrowing was very limited during the pandemic and while the library operated curbside service exclusively. 
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 41
Average number of items circulated / month: 3
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0


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: 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: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
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: CAMARENA MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 850 ENCINAS AVE.
City: CALEXICO
State: CA
Zip: 92231
Name: CITY OF BRAWLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 400 MAIN ST.
City: BRAWLEY
State: CA
Zip: 92227
Name: CITY OF IMPERIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 W. NINTH ST.
City: IMPERIAL
State: CA
Zip: 92251
Name: COUNTY OF IMPERIAL FREE LIBRARY
Address: 1125 W. MAIN STREET
City: EL CENTRO
State: CA
Zip: 92243-2814
Name: EL CENTRO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1140 N Imperial Ave
City: EL CENTRO
State: CA
Zip: 92243
Activity Details
Title: Demonstration Videos
Narrative: Following feedback from parents/providers, program staff developed several short videos as a program modification in lieu of in-person programs.  Staff developed three types of videos that were hosted on YouTube for access: social stories, demonstrations videos, and introductions to community service workers.  The premise of the introduction videos or our "hello series" was to introduce viewers to important or key figures in the community such as firefighters, library workers, and police officers.  For the Hello Series, volunteers from various agencies participated in recording themselves saying hello, demonstrating equipment or their vehicles, and surroundings.  We highlighted individuals from agencies across the county.  The concept of the social story videos was akin to in-person programs where one social story was shared at each program.  The social story essentially takes the viewer through the steps of experiencing a new activity or surrounding.  For example, the "stranger danger" social story defines who strangers are, how to interact with them, who to avoid, etc.  Finally, staff created various demonstration videos that paired with activities in their monthly kits.  The demo videos showed step-by-step how to complete a specific craft or followed a story.  Staff also created a demonstration video to highlight various equipment available for lending and how to use different tools.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their personal or family health & wellness.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 86
Number of presentations/performances administered: 20
Average number in attendance per session: 30


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: 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: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
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: CAMARENA MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 850 ENCINAS AVE.
City: CALEXICO
State: CA
Zip: 92231
Name: CITY OF BRAWLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 400 MAIN ST.
City: BRAWLEY
State: CA
Zip: 92227
Name: CITY OF IMPERIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 W. NINTH ST.
City: IMPERIAL
State: CA
Zip: 92251
Name: COUNTY OF IMPERIAL FREE LIBRARY
Address: 1125 W. MAIN STREET
City: EL CENTRO
State: CA
Zip: 92243-2814
Name: EL CENTRO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1140 N Imperial Ave
City: EL CENTRO
State: CA
Zip: 92243
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
One unanticipated outcome of the project was actually due to a Covid-19 modification of providing to-go sensory and activity kits to families in lieu of in-person programs. Through survey feedback collected at the end of the program year, families largely shared that the activity kits created opportunities for families to bond and spend time playing and learning together. The activity kits also introduced families to new forms of sensory play and exploration and many parents noted that enhanced their own abilities to work with their children.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The program's original design did not include such in-depth curated resources for families as the to-go sensory and activity kits distributed because of the pandemic. We initially thought that families would enjoy these activities in the programs held at the various libraries and those events would allow them to connect with other families. We found the kits to nearly replicate those opportunities for sensory play and exploration in the family's home environment instead of the library. While families did not have the chance to connect with other families, we found that families deepened their connection between parents and siblings through the activity kits. We found that the to-go kits were highly successful in introducing families to new resources and activities for their autistic family members. Activity kits, while resource intensive, are an excellent programming alternative to in-person programs. Distributing the activity kits should also be considered an ongoing practice to meet the more diverse needs of individuals on the spectrum.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Perhaps the most significant finding while trying to meet needs during the pandemic was learning that virtual programming is not the best or go-to option for this population. Families overwhelmingly shared that virtual learning did not translate well for their autistic children. While the library was successful in implementing virtual programs for other populations, the few virtual presentations and videos created for this project were not as successful. Families found more utility from to-go sensory and activity kits that included over 30+ pages of activities, instructions, and materials.
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: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThis project is a model of regional libraries working together, and with members of the community, to develop and provide outstanding programming to a vulnerable population. Program staff from the libraries gathered feedback from the target population and used that information to create programming videos featuring community volunteers. They curated a shared collection of resources and developed a lending policy across all libraries for circulation. Finally, the libraries' program staff worked together to create a toolkit to document implementation and lessons learned for other libraries and organizations serving the target population.
Project Tags: Autism spectrum, Accessibility, Diversity