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G2S Project Code: 2020-AK-85276
State: Alaska
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
ANCHORAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Andrew Allard
Director Phone: 907-343-4055
Director Email: andrew.allard@anchorageak.gov
General Information
Title: 800# Interlibrary Loan & Reference Backup Service
State Project Code: ILC21-008
Start Date: 07/01/2020
End Date: 06/30/2021
Abstract: The purpose of the project is to provide interlibrary loans and backup reference services free to libraries across the state. This includes rural, public, school, combined, and tribal libraries. Many of these libraries cannot afford the OCLC database and the 800# Service allows them to access materials and assistance they would not be able to get through their collections. Many of the libraries are staffed with volunteers so this reference service provides access to more complex questions regarding library materials and general information to help with their patrons' needs.
State Goal: Goal 1. Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$57,974.00
$0.00
$0.00
$57,974.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Other
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Interlibrary Loans
Narrative:

The main activity of this program is fulfilling 3,123 interlibrary loan requests for participating libraries. This reflects an increase of 182 requests filled compared to the previous year. Patrons frequently requested entire seasons or series of books and DVDs which allowed for continuous borrowing even during normally slower times.


Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 0
Average number of items circulated / month: 0
Total number of ILL transactions: 3,123
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 260


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: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 52
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 16
Other: 1
Activity Details
Title: Reference for small libraries
Narrative: The 800# Service provides reference support for small libraries. During this reporting period, the program answered 190 questions.


Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 190
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 16


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: 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: 52
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 16
Other: 1
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The service saw an increase in usage compared to the previous reporting period. The number of libraries served was 69, an increase of 16 libraries with the greatest increase in school libraries. The previous reporting period saw a big jump in requests due to COVID closures, and that level of demand was sustained this year. Delays in mail service have impacted this program during this reporting period and will likely continue to do so in the future. This challenge has been addressed by regular communication with users about the status of their requests and generous renewal options.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Although usage of this service has increased, it has continued to be staffed by one employee. Eventually it may be necessary to increase staffing on the project, which would also allow for transition planning if the current staff person leaves. Because this project relies on the postal service for delivery of items, increases in postal rates and delivery times should be taken into consideration for program planning. Setting reasonable expectations will be an important part of customer service going forward.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
This project suffers from the high turnover of staff and volunteers in small towns because it relies on building relationships with library staff and volunteers who in turn promote the service to their patrons. When an employee or volunteer leaves, the relationship ends, and connecting to people who can take over the responsibility can be tricky. Finding the right person to staff a project like this is important. Although this project is operated by a subgrantee, State Library staff frequently hear from the staff at participating libraries how much they appreciate the excellent customer service and reliable communication of the project lead.
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: interlibrary loan, reference