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G2S Project Code: 2020-SC-86269
State: South Carolina
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
South Carolina State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Leesa Aiken
Director Phone: 803-734-8668
Director Email: laiken@statelibrary.sc.gov
General Information
Title: CARES - AccessSC
State Project Code:
Start Date: 04/21/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The South Carolina State Library (SCSL) helped public libraries and local schools meet their needs by providing digital network access, internet accessible devices, and technical support services. Additionally, this project supported Goals 1, 5 and 6 of SCSL’s LSTA Five-Year Plan. AccessSC’s focus was to increase access to the internet and provide support to children and families without broadband in their communities. We saw a need for whole families when schools, jobs, and businesses were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We provided access to not only school-aged students but also to working adults and college students as well. Devices were sent to public libraries in thirty counties across the state. 
State Goal: Goal 6: Library Technology
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$566,214.08
$0.00
$0.00
$566,214.08
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Digital Literacy
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Activities
Activity Details
Title: AccessSC Devices
Narrative: With CARES funds the State Library purchased 22 Kajeet SmartBus routers, 520 new SmartSpot (hotspots) devices and 40 iPads. With LSTA funds the State Library purchased an additional 20 new SmartSpot (hotspots) devices. The SmartBus routers were portable routers for use on libraries’ bookmobiles and outreach vehicles. The State Library also provided unlimited data service for all hotspot devices. The project addressed a need for hotspot access at all age levels including elementary, middle, high schools and college and universities. Some public libraries partnered with other agencies and organizations at the local level to allow whole families to benefit from the use of the hotspots and SmartBus routers. The libraries further expanded use of these devices by lending to community resource centers, workforce development offices, and state parks
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 582
Number of software acquired: 0
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: 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: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ABBE REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 314 CHESTERFIELD STREET SW
City: AIKEN
State: SC
Zip: 29801
Name: ABBEVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 201 SOUTH MAIN STREET
City: ABBEVILLE
State: SC
Zip: 29620
Name: ALLENDALE HAMPTON JASPER REGIONAL LIBRARY
Address: 158 MCNAIR STREET
City: ALLENDALE
State: SC
Zip: 29810
Name: ANDERSON COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 300 N MCDUFFIE STREET
City: ANDERSON
State: SC
Zip: 29621
Name: BERKELEY COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 100 LIBRARY ST.
City: MONCKS CORNER
State: SC
Zip: 29461
Name: CALHOUN COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 900 F.R. HUFF DRIVE
City: ST. MATTHEWS
State: SC
Zip: 29135
Name: CHARLESTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 68 CALHOUN STREET
City: CHARLESTON
State: SC
Zip: 29401
Name: CHESTER COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 100 CENTER STREET
City: CHESTER
State: SC
Zip: 29706
Name: CHESTERFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 119 W. MAIN STREET
City: CHESTERFIELD
State: SC
Zip: 29709
Name: CLARENDON COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 215 N. BROOKS ST.
City: MANNING
State: SC
Zip: 29102
Name: COLLETON COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 600 HAMPTON STREET
City: WALTERBORO
State: SC
Zip: 29488
Name: DILLON COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 600 EAST MAIN STREET
City: DILLON
State: SC
Zip: 29536
Name: DORCHESTER COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 506 N. PARLER AVENUE
City: ST. GEORGE
State: SC
Zip: 29477
Name: FLORENCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 509 SOUTH DARGAN STREET
City: FLORENCE
State: SC
Zip: 29506
Name: GEORGETOWN COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 405 CLELAND STREET
City: GEORGETOWN
State: SC
Zip: 29440
Name: GREENVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 25 HERITAGE GREEN PLACE
City: GREENVILLE
State: SC
Zip: 29601
Name: HORRY COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 1008 5TH AVENUE
City: CONWAY
State: SC
Zip: 29526
Name: KERSHAW COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1304 BROAD ST.
City: CAMDEN
State: SC
Zip: 29020
Name: LAURENS COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1017 WEST MAIN STREET
City: LAURENS
State: SC
Zip: 29360
Name: MARION COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 EAST COURT STREET
City: MARION
State: SC
Zip: 29571
Name: MARLBORO COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 203 FAYETTEVILLE AVENUE
City: BENNETTSVILLE
State: SC
Zip: 29512
Name: MCCORMICK COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 201 RAILROAD AVE.
City: MCCORMICK
State: SC
Zip: 29835
Name: OCONEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 501 W S BROAD ST
City: WALHALLA
State: SC
Zip: 29691
Name: ORANGEBURG COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION
Address: 510 LOUIS ST
City: ORANGEBURG
State: SC
Zip: 29115
Name: PICKENS COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 304 BILTMORE ROAD
City: EASLEY
State: SC
Zip: 29641
Name: SALUDA COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 S MAIN STREET
City: SALUDA
State: SC
Zip: 29138
Name: SPARTANBURG COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 151 S. CHURCH STREET
City: SPARTANBURG
State: SC
Zip: 29306
Name: SUMTER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 111 N. HARVIN STREET
City: SUMTER
State: SC
Zip: 29150
Name: UNION COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 300 EAST SOUTH STREET
City: UNION
State: SC
Zip: 29379
Name: WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 215 NORTH JACKSON STREET
City: KINGSTREE
State: SC
Zip: 29556
Activity Details
Title: AccessSC Device Circulation
Narrative: The 30 participating libraries each circulated the hotspot devices differently. Most libraries marketed the hotspots directly to schools, while other schools sent parents to the libraries to check the devices out themselves. Due to the pandemic, bookmobiles were less likely to travel to regular stops and outreach events; consequently, libraries reached out to partner with different organizations or agencies in their community to use the SmartBus devices. The portable SmartBus devices allowed for easy mobility and set-up.
Loan periods for the hotspot devices varied widely from short term checkouts of 3 to 7 days to longer check-outs for a full semester. For example, Sumter County Library checked their devices out to Lemira Elementary for an entire semester and Harvin Clarendon County Library loaned their SmartBus device for several months to a new community resource center in Summerton.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 4,361
Average number of items circulated / month: 0
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 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


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: ABBE REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 314 CHESTERFIELD STREET SW
City: AIKEN
State: SC
Zip: 29801
Name: ABBEVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 201 SOUTH MAIN STREET
City: ABBEVILLE
State: SC
Zip: 29620
Name: ALLENDALE HAMPTON JASPER REGIONAL LIBRARY
Address: 158 MCNAIR STREET
City: ALLENDALE
State: SC
Zip: 29810
Name: ANDERSON COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 300 N MCDUFFIE STREET
City: ANDERSON
State: SC
Zip: 29621
Name: BERKELEY COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 100 LIBRARY ST.
City: MONCKS CORNER
State: SC
Zip: 29461
Name: CALHOUN COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 900 F.R. HUFF DRIVE
City: ST. MATTHEWS
State: SC
Zip: 29135
Name: CHARLESTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 68 CALHOUN STREET
City: CHARLESTON
State: SC
Zip: 29401
Name: CHESTER COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 100 CENTER STREET
City: CHESTER
State: SC
Zip: 29706
Name: CHESTERFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 119 W. MAIN STREET
City: CHESTERFIELD
State: SC
Zip: 29709
Name: CLARENDON COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 215 N. BROOKS ST.
City: MANNING
State: SC
Zip: 29102
Name: COLLETON COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 600 HAMPTON STREET
City: WALTERBORO
State: SC
Zip: 29488
Name: DILLON COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 600 EAST MAIN STREET
City: DILLON
State: SC
Zip: 29536
Name: DORCHESTER COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 506 N. PARLER AVENUE
City: ST. GEORGE
State: SC
Zip: 29477
Name: FLORENCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 509 SOUTH DARGAN STREET
City: FLORENCE
State: SC
Zip: 29506
Name: GEORGETOWN COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 405 CLELAND STREET
City: GEORGETOWN
State: SC
Zip: 29440
Name: GREENVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 25 HERITAGE GREEN PLACE
City: GREENVILLE
State: SC
Zip: 29601
Name: HORRY COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 1008 5TH AVENUE
City: CONWAY
State: SC
Zip: 29526
Name: KERSHAW COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1304 BROAD ST.
City: CAMDEN
State: SC
Zip: 29020
Name: LAURENS COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 1017 WEST MAIN STREET
City: LAURENS
State: SC
Zip: 29360
Name: MARION COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 EAST COURT STREET
City: MARION
State: SC
Zip: 29571
Name: MARLBORO COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 203 FAYETTEVILLE AVENUE
City: BENNETTSVILLE
State: SC
Zip: 29512
Name: MCCORMICK COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 201 RAILROAD AVE.
City: MCCORMICK
State: SC
Zip: 29835
Name: OCONEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 501 W S BROAD ST
City: WALHALLA
State: SC
Zip: 29691
Name: ORANGEBURG COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION
Address: 510 LOUIS ST
City: ORANGEBURG
State: SC
Zip: 29115
Name: PICKENS COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 304 BILTMORE ROAD
City: EASLEY
State: SC
Zip: 29641
Name: SALUDA COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 101 S MAIN STREET
City: SALUDA
State: SC
Zip: 29138
Name: SPARTANBURG COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 151 S. CHURCH STREET
City: SPARTANBURG
State: SC
Zip: 29306
Name: SUMTER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 111 N. HARVIN STREET
City: SUMTER
State: SC
Zip: 29150
Name: UNION COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 300 EAST SOUTH STREET
City: UNION
State: SC
Zip: 29379
Name: WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 215 NORTH JACKSON STREET
City: KINGSTREE
State: SC
Zip: 29556
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
This project allowed participating public libraries to provide a necessary service for patrons of all ages during the pandemic. It also allowed libraries to help close the broadband access gap. In Marlboro County, four students finished their studies and graduated with the help of the hotspots, including students who graduated from nursing school. Here are quotes from two of the students in Marlboro County: “I just want to thank the library so much for allowing me to succeed and finish nursing school last semester, I don’t know what I would have done without them. COVID hit my family really hard, and trying to take care of loved ones with no internet access at their house and them living in a dead zone area, I started to panic but God saw me through and pointed me in the direction to the library offering free hotspots. I took advantage of this opportunity and they helped me survive the last semester of nursing school with no stress worrying about internet. So grateful that our county can provide this access to further our education and help us succeed! Thank you so much & to the staff y’all are awesome for keeping me renewed and fixing any technical issues within minutes!” and “Coming from and living in a rural area where access to the internet is limited, and sometimes non-existent, having the public library provide a service such as this provides students like myself the opportunity to do work from home. This was a huge help during the course of the pandemic when public facilities were shut down for months at the time. Instead of carrying the burden of constant worry in regards to internet access and coursework deadlines, I knew I could count on my public library to provide me with the services needed to keep me sane and on track. The internet hotspots have been a huge blessing for not only myself, but others as well!”
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Abbeville County Library partnered with the Calhoun Falls State Park to provide WiFi access to park attendees. Families were able to use the WiFi for schooling, meetings, job searches or just to check email. Some patrons at Berkeley County Public Library used the hotspots because they could not afford internet service or needed internet access for virtual meetings, interviews or trainings during pandemic. Williamsburg County Library saw an increase in library card registrations because library cards were needed to check out hotspots and iPads.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
This project has helped so many patrons and so many communities across our state and although the State Library will not be continuing this project, many of the participating public libraries will. They will keep all of the devices and can provide internet service through a vendor of their choice. We are encouraged by all of the partnerships and connections that were made between the public libraries and other agencies and organization.
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:
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:
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: Broadband