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G2S Project Code:
2021-CO-87048
State:
Colorado
Fiscal Year:
2021
Grantee
Buena Vista R-31
Project Director
Director Name:
Elizabeth Volpe
Director Phone:
719-395-7068
Director Email:
bethv@bvschools.org
General Information
Title:
ARPA: Buena Vista R-31
State Project Code:
19S0
Start Date:
07/01/2021
End Date:
11/30/2022
Abstract:
Buena Vista School District is in a rural Colorado mountain community. The district has 1,052 students with 18.34% qualifying for free or reduced lunch. There are two libraries, one elementary and a combined middle and high school. Both libraries focused the ARPA funds in support of the reading and information literacy programs which were impacted by COVID-19. The District purchased print books and audio books.
The elementary library runs classes, Tuesday through Thursday, on a regular schedule as part of enrichment time. Classes usually involve a mini-lesson on effective use of the library followed by story-time and finishing with students selecting books for checkout.
The 6-12th grade Learning Commons librarian schedules classes with teachers for research projects and works collaboratively to ensure student engagement, teach information literacy, develop research strategies, and check for proper citation. Students check out books most frequently during lunch and advisory/ study hall time.
State Goal:
Learning for all ages
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$
6,000.00
$
0.00
$
0.00
$
6,000.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' formal education.
Education
Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title:
Acquisition
Narrative:
The library purchased 550 print books, 25 audiobooks
Intent:
Improve users' formal education.
Activity:
Content
Mode:
Acquisition
Format:
Physical
Quantity
Number of hardware acquired:
0
Number of software acquired:
0
Number of licensed databases acquired:
0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired:
550
Number of electronic materials acquired:
0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired:
25
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: Buena Vista R-31
Address: PO Box 2027
City: Buena Vista
State: CO
Zip: 81211
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Many students did not return to school once quarantine was lifted in fall of 2020, so both libraries were unable to collect materials lost during this time. The additional funding allowed the libraries to replace missing items (often the most popular or books in a series) so students had access to these books once again. In addition, the elementary library added audio-books to the collection. From the onset of COVID-19 to the present day, both libraries noted an increased need for specific reference resources: social-emotional health, updated history books and biographies that bring to light contributions by marginalized people, and books that teach respect and hope for the earth’s environment. These materials were frequently checked out over the course of the year, making this a great investment. Also, while the middle school accounts for around 80% of total checkouts in the library, the high school students are under 15% (5% being school staff). The books appealing to high schoolers had dwindled (the previous librarian purchased fewer young adult titles due to few checkouts), which resulted in less interest by high school staff and students, and thus even lower circulation rates. Funds went towards balancing the collection to reflect interests of older teens. The library anticipates, with staff support to encourage reading, the high schooler’s check-out rate will increase. The elementary library replaced and updated the reference section of the K-5 library. The librarian purchased new encyclopedias, almanacs, biographies and national symbols books. These resources were used frequently for student projects. Also, in support of literacy, the elementary school participated in America’s Battle of the Books competition for the first time in many years. This is a reading incentive program for students in 3rd through 12th grades. Students read books and come together, usually in groups, to demonstrate their abilities and to test their knowledge of the books they have read. The student competitions are usually similar to the TV series Family Feud or Whiz Kids styles of competitions. Multiple copies of the books were needed for the program. In the future, these books will be used for book groups.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The libraries have an ever-changing population with needs that are also constantly changing. The school library staff are always looking to the future when considering how many students the library services and what the needs of those students are at any given point in time. For example, now that Colorado adopted a state funded preschool program, the library must offer preschoolers books that are appropriate for their age level. Reviving the Battle of the Books revealed a need for social engagement where reading is concerned, and a stronger effort will be made toward getting students together to share their joy of reading. Finally, the library must be a hub for factual information. Students are seeking the truth about movements like “Black Lives Matter” and “#MeToo.” They are struggling with mental health, and a book on the topic can be a great step towards getting help. The library staff is aware and reaching out to students, talking about reading, and providing a safe space for everyone to explore.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The district has a wide-range of readers with many needs. When staff decided to undertake a Battle of the Books competition, they realized that in addition to the books each student would need, they also had to look at the expenses of enrolling in the program, purchasing trophies, books, and publicity. 48 students participated in the competition which was a great success. In the post- pandemic world, all library staff need to be aware of the struggles people are facing. A student looking for a book on suicide prevention might also be reaching out in hopes an adult will ask questions. For students, their main understanding of the world comes from their parents. So when they have an opportunity to explore for themselves, either for a project or personal curiosity, it is important to have current, inviting information on current world issues to display and available for check-out.
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:
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:
collection development
