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G2S Project Code: 2020-PA-85817
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER)

Project Director
Director Name: Nathan Flood
Director Phone: 717.963.7490
Director Email: nflood@kinber.org
General Information
Title: Toward Gigabit Libraries in PA
State Project Code: FC4100081540
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: Pennsylvania libraries, especially in rural areas, are often under-resourced and unable to take advantage of full broadband internet capabilities, tools, and technologies to serve their patrons and communities. KINBER identified the need to support Pennsylvania public libraries in their acquisition, use, and understanding of broadband networking and infrastructure technologies. Using consultation calls and field visits to libraries and library systems, KINBER staff continued to see limited availability of resources to help libraries deploy and utilize broadband technologies and infrastructures, especially during extended COVID-19 closures. The Toward Gigabit Libraries in Pennsylvania project conducted a survey of PA public libraries related to connectivity needs during COVID-19 closures, conducted a limited number of on-site library network assessments (due to COVID-19), and provided virtual training and support for PA public libraries. KINBER used the Toward Gigabit Libraries in Pennsylvania Broadband Toolkit, Broadband Improvement Plan, and the KINBER library network assessment report.  After participation in virtual trainings and consultations about broadband resources, Pennsylvania libraries are better equipped to improve and augment their library broadband connectivity and network based services, increase awareness of broadband resources in their communities, and become stronger advocates for their libraries’ broadband infrastructure needs.
State Goal: Training and Support
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$111,618.00
$0.00
$0.00
$111,618.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Broadband adoption
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Toward Gigabit Libraries in PA Fellows Meetings
Narrative: Director of Research and Community Engagement conducted Toward Gigabit Libraries in PA Fellows virtual meetings and additional broadband education/awareness activities. The Toward Gigabit Libraries in PA Fellows Meetings provided broadband updates to the TGLinPA Fellows and allowed feedback from the participating libraries around additional broadband needs and interests
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 11
Number of times program administered: 6


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: 11
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: 5
Agree: 1
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: 3
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 4
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Networking 201
Narrative: KINBER Network Administrator and Dir. of Research and Community Engagement administered a training webinar, Networking 201 as a follow up to the Networking 101 webinar. The video recording and PDF of the slide presentation was sent to the TGL Fellows group and posted to the KINBER website following the webinar. As a result, the library learned how to effectively troubleshoot their network, understand equipment in their networking closets and how to document important information to aid in them in their 5 year technology plan. 
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 5
Number of times program administered: 1


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: 5
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: 3
Agree: 2
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: 2
Agree: 1
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 1
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 1
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 1
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: TGLinPA Item Purchase
Narrative: Procured broadband and networking supplies including hotspots, Lenovo & Dell laptops, replacement batteries for laptops, iPads, memory cards, Wireless AP's, HDMI cables for laptops, and SIM cards for six Pennsylvania libraries to improve broadband network capabilities, provide broadband access and technologies to patrons and staff for remote work capabilities. As a result, the libraries were able to provide broadband capable equipment to staff and patrons to allow staff to work remotely, patrons to access the Internet, and allow the libraries to provide virtual content to patrons. 

Purchases were made on behalf of the three Pennsylvania libraries. Items procured included user interface equipment such as Lenovo C340 Chromebooks and HP 250 G7 laptops, HP M479fdw and HP M404dw printers, and network infrastructure equipment including ethernet switches, a router, and uninterruptible power source. While much of this equipment was meant to help improve the experience of library staff in daily library operations, and upgrade the library's IT infrastructure, the procurement of the Lenovo Chromebooks will directly benefit patrons who will be able to access the laptops for use in settings such as a monthly book club.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 48
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: 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: 9
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
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: Toward Gigabit Libraries in Pennsylvania Broadband Fundamentals
Narrative: KINBER's Director of Community Engagement and the Library Technology Consultant attached to KINBER's team for this project facilitated a two-part pre-recorded workshop entitled, "Toward Gigabit Libraries in Pennsylvania: Broadband Mapping, Big Data and Data Literacy, and other Advanced Topics." This workshop was divided into two parts, with "Part 1" and "Part 2" distributed to libraries. In "Part 1," workshop participants received an introduction to concepts like broadband measurement and broadband mapping and how these methods contribute to the success of broadband projects. Resource organizations such as the FCC and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania were also discussed. The latter part of the program focused on trends within the library community which are impacting the technology choices of libraries, as well as new and emerging trends in library services. "Part 2" of this program reviewed the topics of "Part 1" and advised participants on the importance of creating a patron-centered user experience within their libraries. Additional topics include steps to customer journey mapping and troubleshooting connectivity issues. 
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 2
Number of times program administered: 1


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: 2
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: 0
Agree: 0
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: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned 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
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:

Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:

Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:

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: Internet, Gigabit, Broadband