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G2S Project Code: 2020-NE-85832
State: Nebraska
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
Nebraska Library Commission

Project Director
Director Name: Devra Dragos
Director Phone: 402-471-4335
Director Email: devra.dragos@nebraska.gov
General Information
Title: Technology Innovation
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2019
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The Technology Innovation Librarian scheduled and provided sessions to describe and demonstrate technology (hardware and software). The Technology Innovation Librarian was available for personal consultation as well as group consultation, and served as a resource for state library and regional staff. Ongoing projects include Nebraska Libraries on the Web, makerspace equipment workshops, technology kits for circulation to public libraries, digital library resources, and tracking digital literacy trends. Among the topics covered in presentations during the past year are makerspace planning, website design, library programming in mixed reality, design thinking, and teaching technology in the library. The Technology Innovation Librarian provides on-going advice, courses, and consulting on technology for library applications, instructional design, as well as providing regular technology presentations via webinars, conferences and training sessions.

The Technology Innovation Librarian provides consultation and assistance for the Library Commission's library web hosting service. The Commission hosts websites for 121 libraries and four regional library systems. Typical questions that have been responded to include those concerning WordPress (from libraries with hosted websites) website data tracking, online privacy, and security. During the pandemic, the Technology Innovation Librarian provided technical support and consultation for libraries transitioning from in-person to virtual library services using WordPress and a variety of web-based tools and resources.
 
State Goal: Promotion and Collaboration
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$214,751.76
$0.00
$0.00
$214,751.76
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Technology Innovation
Narrative: The Technology Innovation Librarian scheduled and provided sessions to describe and demonstrate technology (hardware and software). The Technology Innovation Librarian was available for personal consultation as well as group consultation, and served as a resource for state library and regional staff. Ongoing projects include Nebraska Libraries on the Web, makerspace equipment workshops, technology kits for circulation to public libraries, digital library resources, and tracking digital literacy trends. Among the topics covered in presentations during the past year are makerspace planning, website design, library programming in mixed reality, design thinking, and teaching technology in the library. The Technology Innovation Librarian provides on-going advice, courses, and consulting on technology for library applications, instructional design, as well as providing regular technology presentations via webinars, conferences and training sessions.

The Technology Innovation Librarian provides consultation and assistance for the Library Commission's library web hosting service. The Commission hosts websites for 121 libraries and four regional library systems. Typical questions that have been responded to include those concerning WordPress (from libraries with hosted websites) website data tracking, online privacy, and security. During the pandemic, the Technology Innovation Librarian provided technical support and consultation for libraries transitioning from in-person to virtual library services using WordPress and a variety of web-based tools and resources.
 
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 720
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 60


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: 272
Academic Libraries: 57
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 4
Special Libraries: 82
School Libraries: 1171
Other: 24
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
With the rapid and relentless change in technologies - new and evolving - the technology librarian is especially important in introducing, educating, and advising Nebraska library workers of appropriate technologies and applications. The technology innovation librarian position is a key staff member for technology related education and consulting.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Technology innovation is critical to library services. It is vital that library workers have timely information and instruction related to the various technologies available to libraries and which have potential for service delivery. Developing hands-on projects to teach librarians about new technology is effective. An ongoing project will be to develop library staff training and shared resources to help libraries support local businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development efforts. Reaching these new audiences is especially important as the pandemic continues to impact communities everywhere.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Successful results come from having a technology innovation specialist who has the skills, knowledge, ability, and desire to evaluate library applicable technologies and to inform and instruct library workers in the effective use of these technologies.
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:
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: Yes
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: technology, innovation