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G2S Project Code: 2020-MI-86183
State: Michigan
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Scott Duimstra
Director Phone: (517) 367-6363
Director Email: duimstras@cadl.org
General Information
Title: Improving Access to Information Grant - Capital Area District Library
State Project Code: CADL grant
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: As part of the Library of Michigan’s competitive Improving Access to Information grant program, the Capital Area District Library (CADL) did a digital inclusion project - "Digital Inclusion through iPad Kit Lending."

The project had three goals. To address issues of digital inclusion, with a focus on the lack of internet access and internet-enabled devices. To improve access to educational apps for knowledge enhancement, digital participation, and digital collaboration. And finally, to strengthen patrons' digital literacy and digital confidence.

CADL addressed the first goal by purchasing and circulating iPad Kits, purchased with funds from the grant. The kit included the iPad with pre-installed apps and a hot spot, to provide an internet connection. CADL patrons were able to both access the internet and use an internet-enabled digital device. This was especially important during these pandemic times, when branches were not open to the public until June 1, 2021.

To address the second goal, CADL installed a variety of educational and productivity apps on all the iPads. By also including the hot spot, patrons were enabled to be a part of digital collaboration.

By using these devices, patrons were able to increase their digital literacy and digital confidence.

State Goal: Goal 1: Equal Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$24,509.40
$0.00
$0.00
$24,509.40
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Education
Digital Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: iPad Digital Kits
Narrative: Capital Area District Library purchased iPads, software, supplies necessary to circulate the iPads and purchased data access plans to enable patrons to have access to the internet and digital support for educational and job-related activities

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

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


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 35
Number of software acquired: 34
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY
Address: 401 SOUTH CAPITOL AVENUE
City: LANSING
State: MI
Zip: 48933
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Outcomes from Activity Goals: Goal 1: Patrons who checkout an iPad Kit improve their digital skills and digital confidence through use and technology exposure The iPad Kits were checked out 201 times between February 24, 2021 to October 28, 2021. CADL branches did not open for browsing until June 1, 2021 and CADL did have slightly lower circulation when not open to the public. However, the patrons that did checkout an iPad kit did experience additional technology exposure and were able to improve their digital skills. Goal 2: Patrons experience a general improvement in life conditions for the duration of the checkout by having device and internet access at home, with all the advantages that result from even limited digital inclusion. Many patrons expressed gratitude to CADL for circulating iPad Kits with hotspots. During different periods of the pandemic, many patrons have needed to work remotely and/or have at-home schooling. Having both access to a digital device and the internet improved their general life conditions. Goal 3: Patrons who checkout an iPad Kit increase their general knowledge through the use of a variety of educational apps for all ages in an array of subject areas. Post-checkout survey results indicated that many patrons used the iPad kit for Education/School purposes and indicated that most borrowers were exposed to new apps. Goal 4: Patron use the iPad Kit for school and/or job search related activities While the post-checkout survey showed that the iPad Kits were used for a variety of activities, Education/School was the top activity indicated. While the Job/Employment activity was not one of the top results, extrapolating the survey indicated that 8% of borrowers used the iPad Kit for Job/Employment activities. In total 88% used the kits for educational or job-related activities. Goal 5: Patrons are exposed to new apps and knowledge resources through checking out the iPad Kit On the post-checkout survey, 66.6% of responders answered that they were exposed to new apps.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
While not tracked in formal stories or interviews, many patrons expressed excitement and happiness about being able to check out the iPad Kits. There were many who told circulation staff how important internet access provided with the device was to them. Staff express relief at having something to offer to patrons to answer some of the issues patrons were facing, especially when branches were not open to the public for computer use. Overall, the project positively impacted the intended targets.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The grantee had issues with technical implementation and had to modify several aspects of the technical set up. From their report, "Without experiencing the actual implementation, I do not believe we could have foreseen the issues that came up. It would have been great to know these things and not have to do quite so many configuration trials."
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: iPads, hot spots, digital literacy