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G2S Project Code: 2021-CA-87968
State: California
Fiscal Year: 2021

Grantee
NATIONAL CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Anne Defazio
Director Phone: 619-470-5884
Director Email: adefazio@nationalcityca.gov

General Information
Title: Library Access on the Go
State Project Code: 40-9219
Start Date: 07/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: National City Public Library created, tested, launched and marketed a mobile app to increase library access, allowing users to retrieve library information and resources at their own time and convenience. The mobile app was marketed to community partners, to residents at six local events, and to patrons on the website, social media and in the Library itself. Library staff created a 12-minute training video for staff and the public, decreasing the need for on-the-ground training. Patrons were shown how to access the resources and materials they need to make an impact in their lives. The mobile app has made it convenient to access e-materials, place holds on items, and see what other programs the Library offers.
State Goal: Goal 4: Deliver Information & Services

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$16,421.00

$0.00

$7,280.00

$23,701.00

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
General (select only for electronic databases or other data sources)

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Library App Design and Implementation
Narrative: Automated Services staff worked with Sirsi Dynix mobile app team to create the library app. The NCPL mobile app is designed to be user-friendly by providing the following features: catalog search, management of users' library accounts (renewals, checked out items, holds, fees), linking family members ‘library accounts, provide a digital library card, access electronic resources and e-materials, a barcode scanner for ISBN searching, and quick access to events, social media, and library information. The app is available for download on Android and iOS devices and provides numerous language translations.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 1
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 0
Number of plans/frameworks: 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: NATIONAL CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1401 NATIONAL CITY BLVD.
City: NATIONAL CITY
State: CA
Zip: 91950

Activity Details
Title: Library App Training Video Creation
Narrative: Automated Services staff created a 12-minute training video on using the mobile app. This was shared with all staff and the public to help everyone feel comfortable using it. The video was a walk-through of the entire app, showing them how to place holds, locate and download e-materials, and change their settings for better usability.

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

Activity: Content
Mode: Creation
Format: Digital

Quantity
Number of items digitized: 0
Number of items digitized and available to the public: 0
Number of physical items: 0
Number of open-source applications/software/systems: 0
Number of proprietary applications/software/systems: 0
Number of learning resources (e.g. toolkits, guides): 1
Number of plans/frameworks: 0

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Patrons learned a simpler way to access eBooks and how to use Libby. The library's presence at community events in the city enabled them to reach a wider audience than anticipated. The library learned the benefits of creating video tutorials for staff and patron training.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The library intends to attend more community events to reach non-library users.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Implementing a new service like this requires time to work with the vendor, resolve technical issues, and train staff.
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: access, digital divide