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G2S Project Code: 2020-PA-85827
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2020

Grantee
Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries

Project Director
Director Name: Heather Sharpe
Director Phone: 7177830565
Director Email: hsharpe@pa.gov

General Information
Title: Leadership and Training of Library Workforce
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The Leadership and Training of Library Workforce project was structured on a framework of resources, trends, best practices, future-focused methodology, and interactive educational sessions for library directors, library trustees, volunteers, and seasoned staff members. Through evaluations and feedback from the field, the training reflected the emergent needs of public libraries of all sizes. For statewide library leaders, they were afforded the opportunity to develop the higher-level skills, shared experience and teamwork that positively builds equitable services and excellence in practice in the library field - a benefit to every resident of the Commonwealth.
State Goal: Training and Support

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$554,717.54

$0.00

$554,717.54

Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Continuing Education and Staff Development

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Including You Pilot for Inclusion and Belonging
Narrative:

These workshops addressed systemic racism through internal work in individual library practitioners with and eye toward creating equity and belonging in every library. Participants examined their own behaviors regarding racism, implicit bias, and addressing microaggressions and reflected on their own experiences in order to create lasting change. The goal was to increase empathy for those who are oppressed, as well as provide a way for participants to increase their understanding of the skills needed to be successful in managing implicit bias and addressing microaggressions. Group accountability underscores what they learned and/or their picture of how the world should operate.

In each four-week workshop, the participants engagedin large and small group discussion, in-workshop and at-home reflection andpractice in partnerships. The workshop facilitators maintained avulnerable and honest environment that allowed for creation of relationshipsbetween participants from different organizations. Formal surveys andfocus groups conducted from the program's first and second iterations suggestthe following conclusion: regardless of experience with diversity, equity andinclusion topics, participants reported increased empowerment to disrupt andaddress microaggressions and found the workshop to be of value to theirorganization. In addition, workshop attendees felt that additional trainingshould include strategies to communicate diversity, equity and inclusion policyrecommendations to board members and other administrators or publicofficers. Participants developed noteworthy skills includingself-awareness, conflict management and apology strategies.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 180
Number of sessions in program: 4
Average number in attendance per session: 28
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

Public Libraries: 47
Academic Libraries: 8
SLAA: 4
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 6
Other: 1

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 29
Agree: 27
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 30
Agree: 25
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 39
Agree: 13
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 25
Agree: 27
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 1

Activity Details
Title: District Consultants Summit: Well-Being Series
Narrative: This seven-month series (January – July 2021) was designed to provide the Library District Consultants in Pennsylvania with a variety of tools and experiences to develop skills that will strengthen their own well-being amidst their work. The approach is to offer a variety of topics and experiences that build upon each other, but that also enable each Consultant to find and choose tactics that work best for her or him. Consultants are encouraged to share their learning and/or explore additional workshops or information as desired with any of the presenters.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 7
Average number in attendance per session: 30
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 29
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 32
Agree: 35
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 32
Agree: 30
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 8
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 36
Agree: 28
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 41
Agree: 23
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: New Director Orientation
Narrative: An orientation and training sessions were offered virtually to two cohorts of new directors in order to provide them with the knowledge they need to be successful in meeting the expectations of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and in serving their communities. Basic knowledge and skills were provided through live instruction and print resources as well as recorded tutorials on the PA Library Staff Academy. District Consultants were also invited to attend sessions as a refresher in their work with new directors. New directors of both cohorts and new district consultants were provided print and e-materials helpful for new directors. Hopeful that the pandemic would have been under control, the first cohort was originally planned to have been in person but was switched to virtual.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 8
Average number in attendance per session: 37
Number of times program administered: 2

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: 78
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 29
Agree: 9
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: 18
Agree: 19
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 24
Agree: 13
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 28
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Communication Plan
Narrative: OCL Leadership staff engaged Trina Walker as a facilitator to gather feedback and needs from staff to clarify areas where communication to and among stakeholders can be improved. The result of the activity was a draft of a communication plan that included suggestions for how OCL staff could improve communication internally within our own staff, between bureaus, and within the Department of Education as well as externally to libraries and stakeholders. The plan included summary of the purpose of communications, principles of communication, a list of Topics we commonly communicate about, and potential tools that could be used such as a Communication Plan Template, Task Grids, and Ecocycle Worksheets. Since the draft was released, OCL has begun work on consistent onboarding practices, an improved organizational chart, work on the SharePoint site, and refinement and continued work for use of the Teams platform with both internal staff and external stakeholders and libraries.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: Third party

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 1
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 1

Partner Information

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: Office of Commonwealth Libraries: Pennsylvania
Address: 333 Market St. 11th Floor
City: Harrisburg
State: PA
Zip: 17126
Question 1: I believe the planning and evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 4
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I am satisfied with the extent to which the plan or evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I believe the information from the plan or evaluation will be applied to address library needs.
Strongly Agree: 3
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Evolving District Services Consultation
Narrative:

The operations of local public libraries in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are supported by District Library Centers which offer advising on issues of Library Development, trustee and staff training, resource sharing and collaborative activities. These activities enhance and increase library public services in the interest of equity for library users and are a critical supplement for local libraries facing funding, technology and community challenges. Over the years, DLCs have addressed unique needs of their territories, and in the process, have diverged in efficiency and performance. This project was designed to renew and update the purpose, focus and expectations of DLCs, in the hopes of establishing more equitable library service across the Commonwealth.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Planning & Evaluation
Mode: Prospective
Format: Third party

Quantity
Number of evaluations and/or plans funded: 1
Number of funded evaluation and/or plans completed: 1

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 60
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I believe the planning and evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I am satisfied with the extent to which the plan or evaluation addresses library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I believe the information from the plan or evaluation will be applied to address library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 5
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Niche Academy
Narrative:

Niche Academy is an online learning platform that provides tools for creating online professional development tutorials and that gives access to the trainings of other Niche Academy members nationwide. Outside trainings may be purchased to add on to the Academy. Videos, PowerPoints, quizzes, and polls can be created within Niche, permitting a variety of learning approaches. It also permits a basic learning-management system that allows learners to keep track of their courses and generate certificates. Niche Academy permits the creation of more than one branded academy for use by targeted users.

This year two academies were created. The PA Library Staff Academy was created for statewide library staff, including public, school, academic and special libraries. Nine-hundred and eight tutorials offered in this academy provided professional development training of interest to the library workers. This total included over 250 tutorials additionally purchased from People Connect Institute (PCI) and 14 tutorials purchased from HRWebAdvisor. Registered learners totaled 1288 with 39,624 views and a total course enrollment of 4,718.

The PA Learning Academy was created to provide tutorials for the public on how to use the various databases offered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. This statewide Learning Academy also offered health, computer/Internet and workforce related tutorials. Eleven tutorials were created about PA databases. Registration was not required for this academy. Seventy-two tutorials were available in total with 16,189 views. This was the first year that tutorials were available in either academy.

Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 575
Average number in attendance per session: 8

Partner Information

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

Activity Details
Title: DEI Professional Development Mini Grants
Narrative: Office of Commonwealth Libraries offered a funding opportunity so libraries could contract with professional trainers to enable staff to identify and address explicit or implicit exclusionary practices targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion subjects. Approximately 1,500 Pennsylvania library staff received training from quality instructors. Because applicants were able to select training based on local training goals, there are a variety of of training topics ranging from LGBTQ to Homelessness to Racial Inequity.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 150
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 25
Number of times program administered: 56

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 15
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 331
Agree: 312
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 23
Disagree: 10
Strongly Disagree: 34
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 268
Agree: 315
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 83
Disagree: 17
Strongly Disagree: 27
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 346
Agree: 290
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 40
Disagree: 5
Strongly Disagree: 29
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 373
Agree: 250
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 47
Disagree: 9
Strongly Disagree: 31
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Statewide Library Training
Narrative: Statewide training for public library trustees and library staff was coordinated through the services of consultant Trina Walker of TLW Strategies. Thirty-three live, virtual sessions were offered with a total attendance of 1,364. Input from a curriculum taskforce, made up of library staff statewide, informed the topics that were developed. Topics included board governance and board deep dives on specific issues, stress management, user friendly accessible library websites, facilitation of energetic online programs, effective planning, and human resources. A blended session on customer service was also offered, with participants meeting online to discuss their experiences after first accessing a tutorial on Niche Academy, a platform for tutorial recordings. Fourteen human resource tutorials were purchased for Niche Academy for learners to access. A follow-up survey to the previous year's board retreats was also conducted by Walker. In addition to the sessions organized by Walker, a webinar on sales tax was provided by the PA Department of Revenue and two sessions on resilience were provided by an outside presenter.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 41
Number of times program administered: 36

Partner Information

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

Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 365
Agree: 157
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 6
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 303
Agree: 198
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 21
Disagree: 6
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 2
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 354
Agree: 161
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 10
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 297
Agree: 187
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 37
Disagree: 3
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 6

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
The insights into the impact of virtual activities that we started in the first year of the pandemic blossomed into new audiences and new leverage of the virtual interfaces to deepen the experience of professional development for our librarians across the Commonwealth.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Conducting a majority of the trainings and interactive sessions via Zoom and Teams allowed for the inclusion of more geographically and socioeconomically diverse groups. It allowed us to use session leaders and instructors from across the globe and accommodate a variety of schedules through synchronous and asynchronous experiences.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The long-form workshop "Including You" illustrated the power of sustained commitment, even to the "homework" between weeks of the class, which was really made possible through an online interaction. Particularly when delving into a topic as sensitive and risky as understanding your own biases and practicing behavioral changes with colleagues and with recorded practice sessions, it allowed for a psychological safety that is difficult to attain in shorter, in-person sessions.
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:
Yes
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: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThrough a wide breadth of both targeted and general trainings and online interactions, library leaders and front line workers were exposed to innovative, transformational and rigorous learning experiences - at a time when they most needed structure and the focus.

Project Tags: Training, Trustees, Staff