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G2S Project Code: 2020-IN-84965
State: Indiana
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
HAMILTON EAST PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Molly Mrozowski
Director Phone: 317-770-3220
Director Email: mrozowskim@help.lib.in.us
General Information
Title: Microlibraries in Fishers and Noblesville
State Project Code: T20-2-2(6)
Start Date: 11/10/2020
End Date: 06/30/2021
Abstract: Hamilton East Public Library’s microlibraries project placed small, focused collections of materials in partner locations around underserved areas of Fishers and Noblesville, with aim of reaching audiences who don’t, or can’t, frequent the main library buildings. The two microlibraries are housed a partner locations and circulate using a text to checkout model. Books, DVDs, and other items for these sites were culled from "weeded" material - extra copies of high demand titles no longer having holds - and donations. In addition to providing popular materials, project staff collaborated with staff at each microlibrary location to better curate a collection suited to the unique needs of the partner site clientele and staff: bi-lingual and Spanish books for an organization serving many native Spanish speakers, or a pre-K collection for the sports complex that included an onsite preschool. Beyond providing a valuable service to community members, the microlibraries increased HEPL's connections with community organizations while increasing HEPL's visibility within the community.
State Goal: Enhanced Services
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$3,928.00
$0.00
$635.60
$4,563.60
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Outreach & Partnerships
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Purchase Text to Checkout Software
Narrative: One of the priorities of the microlibraries was to bring library services to those who don't regularly use the library or even have a library card. The Capira Text to Checkout software allows microlibrary users to check out the materials with nothing more than their own cell phone.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 1
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 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: Urban
Suburban
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: 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: HAMILTON EAST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: ONE LIBRARY PLAZA
City: NOBLESVILLE
State: IN
Zip: 46060
Activity Details
Title: Launching Two Microlibraries in the Community
Narrative: The library launched two microlibrary sites in underserved areas of their community. It involved contacting and negotiating terms with each site, building a collection specific to each partner's needs, preparing materials and editing records, installing shelving and signage, and training partner staff. Collection materials are swapped out every other month, providing microsite users with fresh options.

Each of the two partner sites serve unique clientele. Prevail (support services for survivors of abuse/crime) works with families and was seeking a collection for their growing teen client base as well as native Spanish speakers. Staff curated a collection of roughly 200 items to meet their needs. Additional, they worked to support Prevail's professional development efforts by providing a collection of anti-racist and EDI titles aligned with their strategic priorities. The second site, Hamilton County Sports Complex, serves a wide range of clients. HEPL staff created two collections: one focused on pre-K (as the complex had an onsite preschool) and the other on adults. The two rotating collections total roughly 400 books.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 1,000
Average number of items circulated / month: 333
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: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Hamilton County Sports Complex
Address: 9625 East 150th St.
City: Noblesville
State: IN
Zip: 46060
Name: HAMILTON EAST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: ONE LIBRARY PLAZA
City: NOBLESVILLE
State: IN
Zip: 46060
Name: Prevail of Central Indiana
Address: 1100 S. 9th St., Suite 100
City: Noblesville
State: IN
Zip: 46060
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
HEPL provided a survey to our partner sites and received the following ratings: 5/5 Satisfaction with being a HEPL Microlibraries partner 5/5 Satisfaction with the materials available for checkout 5/5 Satisfaction with the amount of work required to administer the program 5/5 Likely to recommend becoming a HEPL Microlibraries partner to other locations 3.5/5 Satisfaction that the HEPL Microlibrary has increased their customer engagement Comments from the surveys: “I think it is a great idea and feel privileged to be a part of it. Can't really determine customer engagement other than there seems to be a lot of activity.” “Maybe providing more flyers to post around the building so people know there is a Microlibrary and how to use it” “I can’t thank you enough for your support in this endeavor! We will definitely reach out as our list of titles grows—we so appreciate your support!”- related to the Prevail professional development shelf
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Conversations with Prevail revealed a growing demand for Spanish language materials in Hamilton East's service area. The project revealed a high demand for materials at off-site locations. The community is rapidly growing and populations are moving farther away from the two centrally located library branches. In addition to establishing more microlibraries, HEPL is exploring options (such as 24-7 book vending) in densely populated areas that are miles from a physical library building.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Offsite locations may require a specific collection development policy or statement. Having a strong policy in place will help partners to understand the rights and responsibilities of hosting a collection. Be sure to provide plenty of advertising - including social media content - for partners to share with customers/clients.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
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: