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G2S Project Code: 2020-OK-85667
State: Oklahoma
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES

Project Director
Director Name: Rebecca Barker
Director Phone: 405-522-3242
Director Email: rebecca.barker@libraries.ok.gov
General Information
Title: Citizenship and Immigration
State Project Code: CITIMM
Start Date: 10/01/2019
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: Historically, libraries and literacy programs in many Oklahoma communities have played a significant role in assisting non-native speakers in a wide range of language skills. Literacy services for English language learners typically include one-to-one tutoring and classes to help students with reading, writing, and conversing in a new language.

Services varied from one location to another, but included citizenship classes, conversation classes, English/Spanish classes, study pairs, and one-to-one tutoring. These services were delivered both face-to-face and virtually. Adults from 44 nations sought assistance in one or more of these services. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, goals achieved during FFY20 included 63 new citizens. 


State Goal: Goal 3: Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$100,598.00
$0.00
$0.00
$100,598.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to participate in their community.
Adult Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Immigration and Citizenship Services
Narrative:

Despite setbacks from COVID, Oklahoma Department of Libraries had an outstanding year for citizenship. Transition to virtual learning made it possible for services to continue even in the difficulties associated with the pandemic. 

Increased community awareness was accomplished by distribution of flyers, radio announcements, and social media posts. Community partnerships were particularly significant as the pandemic increased the need for frequent communication with school officials and health care providers.

Although numbers in attendance dropped for face-to-face classes, students adapted well to virtual teaching. Instructors used breakout rooms in ZOOM and utilized librarians to administer mock interviews and history and civics flashcards. Interaction between students and teacher increased as time passed. WhatsApp was a useful means of communication for submitting homework and receiving instructors response.

Student skill was assessed by using a USCIS practice test as a pre-test and posttest. An average of 97%improvement on the posttest demonstrates the success of instruction.



Intent: Improve users’ ability to participate in their community.

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


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 570
Number of sessions in program: 1,062
Average number in attendance per session: 15
Number of times program administered: 1,046


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
Rural
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Asian
Hispanic
Pacific
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: Yes
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
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: ARDMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 320 E STREET NW
City: ARDMORE
State: OK
Zip: 73401
Name: Bartlesville Public Library Literacy Services
Address: 600 S Johnstone Ave
City: Bartlesville
State: OK
Zip: 74003
Name: COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTERS INC.
Address: 5131 N. Classen Suite 205
City: Oklahoma City
State: OK
Zip: 73118
Name: Duncan Area Literacy Council and Duncan Public Library
Address: 2300 Country Club Rd
City: Duncan
State: OK
Zip: 73533
Name: Great Plains Literacy Council and Southern Prairie Library System
Address: 421 N Hudson
City: Altus
State: OK
Zip: 73521
Name: Lawton Public Library
Address: 110 SW 4th St
City: Lawton
State: OK
Zip: 73501
Name: Rogers County Literacy Council and Will Rogers Library
Address: 1515 N Florence Ave
City: Claremore
State: OK
Zip: 74017
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 9364
Agree: 315
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: 9354
Agree: 314
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 11
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 9457
Agree: 212
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 10
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 9496
Agree: 163
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 20
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 9304
Agree: 336
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 39
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
An informed library staff and committed literacy program instructors resulted in sixty-three new citizens during the project. This number came about as a result of instructional classes and one to one tutoring, both face to face and virtually, which were publicized and promoted throughout the community. The impact of the project was heightened by community awareness by distribution of flyers, radio announcements, and social media posts even during the pandemic time when many services were delivered virtually. Library staff reported greater awareness of the citizenship process and expressed satisfaction that the library provided services to assist immigrants.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The significance of this project is noted in the increase of immigrants using the library in search of assistance as they seek citizenship. The impact of fourteen sites producing 289 naturalized citizens over the seven-year period during which Oklahoma library/literacy programs have been participating is highly significant. Library staff reported increased confidence and training insured that staff would not act as legal advisers, but as guides to the resources while stressing the opportunity to learn the English language through the tutoring program. Pre- and post-tests revealed that immigrants had the confidence to complete the application and follow through with the process resulting in the large number of success stories.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The collaboration of libraries and literacy programs has been a very productive relationship impacting library users and staff.
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:
Project Staff
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: US Citizenship, ESL, Citizenship Corner