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G2S Project Code: 2020-IA-85809
State: Iowa
Fiscal Year: 2020

Grantee
State Library of Iowa

Project Director
Director Name: Marie Harms
Director Phone: 5152813464
Director Email: Marie.Harms@iowa.gov

General Information
Title: CARES Act Funding
State Project Code: CARES
Start Date: 10/01/2019
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The State Library used the CARES ACT funds to provide tools and resources for public libraries in Iowa to assist them in responding to the pandemic. We provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to aid in providing an environment that would keep staff and patrons safe when libraries opened to the public. We also provided an online chat tool that libraries could put on their website to give patrons an alternative, contact-free method of interacting with library staff.
State Goal: Institutional Capacity

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$273,683.52

$0.00

$273,683.52

Intent(s)
Improve library operations.
Environment
Personal/Family health & wellness

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Protect and Disinfect Kits
Narrative: The State Library provided each of the 543 public libraries in Iowa with a Protect and Disinfect Kit to give libraries the supplies needed to provide a safe environment for staff and the public during the pandemic. Each kit contained a 56-quart clear storage bin with lid, 2 boxes of 50 3-ply surgical face masks, a box of 100 Nitrile gloves, 2 bottles of all purpose cleaner, paper towels, hand sanitizer bottles, bleach, and Wypall wipes. We contracted with a local vendor to provide, assemble, and deliver to the State library the bins. The kits were then delivered to each library via the IA Shares delivery service.
Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Content
Mode: Other
Format: Physical
Other: Provision of PPE kits for each public library

Quantity

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: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types

Public Libraries: 543
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
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: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Bold360 Chat Service
Narrative: The State Library provided free of charge to libraries a new tool, Bold360 Chat, that allows patrons to communicate with their local public library via a widget on the library's website. Bold360 Chat is a contactless, convenient, and efficient method of communication. It is completely web-based and features include both online and offline message systems, auto-invite and canned messages, robust reporting and more. We offered support on getting the widget on the website and quick training on how to use.
Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Digital
Other: Provided the tool for libraries to use if desired

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: 1
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

Public Libraries: 543
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 29
Agree: 91
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 154
Disagree: 32
Strongly Disagree: 12
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 27
Agree: 62
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 162
Disagree: 48
Strongly Disagree: 19
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Law Library Protective Shields
Narrative: The State Library purchased 10 acrylic freestanding sneeze guards and dividers for use in the Law Library to help protect the staff working in that space. The Law Library is open to the public, and during the legislative season is very busy as it is situated between the Senate Chambers and the House Chambers. The shields were placed in the reference desk area, by the Westlaw computer station, at staff work area entry points, and at the spiral staircase on the public side.
Intent: Improve library operations.

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: 10
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 10

Partner Information

Activity Details
Title: Professional and eBook Collection
Narrative: The State Library purchased eBooks for professional development for Iowa library staff and some titles to lessen the hold list in the Bridges Consortium.
Intent: Improve library operations.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 4
Number of electronic materials acquired: 17
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 543
Academic Libraries: 72
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 47
School Libraries: 60
Other: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The CARES Act funding allowed the State Library to provide tools to Iowa libraries that enabled them to respond quickly to the needs of their community as a result of the pandemic. The Protect and Disinfect Kits were more appreciated than the Bold360 Chat service. In a survey comments included, "The Protect and Disinfect Kits came at a time when finding some of the supplies was difficult", and another comment, "While the Protect and Disinfect Kit was absolutely appreciated and precisely what we needed, you also had trouble locating the necessary items and we experienced long delays in receiving the items we sincerely needed. Once they arrived, they were of great value to us". Comments about the chat service ranged from , "The Bold360 Chat we did not participate in; we felt that we already had adequate communication channels with our patron, and they would not like having to learn a new system or simply wouldn't use it", and, "The Bold360 Chat Service allowed our library to offer yet another way to stay connected and continue to serve our customers even as we navigated curbside pick up and limited lobby services. We could still offer our traditional services of reference and reader's advisory, jus tin new and different ways", and "We were thrilled to implement Bold360 Chat and provide virtual chat services. While our buildings were closed it expanded our reach to patrons. We loved having an easy way to communicate and make virtual cards for online services in moments. After our buildings have reopened, we have continued to see consistent usage. We would not have been able to afford this expanded service if not for the CARES Act funding". Negative comments included I am a small library and Bold 360 Chat didn't help this library, we didn't use it". Training was provided for the new service via webinar with 281 attendees. The State Library staff who work in the Law Library really appreciated the extra protection offered by the plexiglass shields that were placed in strategic locations. The Law Library is very busy with tourists from around the state and country, as well as legislators and lobbyists. The professional collection items that were purchased enhanced the topics available to Iowa librarians and State Library staff, and having them available via eBook format even more so.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Most libraries appreciated the PPE kits, especially those in more rural areas of the state as options for purchasing the materials on their own were limited. The larger libraries weren't as excited about them. The chat service had more limited use, but having new technology foisted on you during a stressful time made that understandable. Especially for the smaller libraries who have limited staff and time to implement technology. The State Library was able to utilize existing master contracts to provide both of these resources which was important as the funds weren't expected and we had limited time to spend them.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The ability to purchase items quickly due to existing master contracts enabled State Library staff to be nimble in decisions related to helping libraries deal with pandemic issues. The negative aspect of that was it limited what was available and with the chat service, many libraries didn't take advantage of the opportunity.
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:
Yes
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: