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G2S Project Code: 2021-NC-88237
State: North Carolina
Fiscal Year: 2021

Grantee
MAUNEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Christina Martin
Director Phone: 17047392371
Director Email: christina.martin@mauneylibrary.org

General Information
Title: ARPA: Digital Expansion Kits
State Project Code: NC-21-118
Start Date: 08/01/2021
End Date: 07/31/2022
Abstract: The goals of the project were to increase the capacity of residents having broadband and/or a device to use at home and also answer any tech questions patrons may have. To fulfill this goal the library worked The library also hired a contract employee to do open tech labs to answer questions the public had on a one-on-one basis. The target audience for this project was anyone in need of technology to utilize at home. Primarily adults have used this service. The kits have been well received and at least half of the kits are usually checked out.
State Goal: Expanding Access

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$8,136.43

$0.00

$8,136.43

Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.
Literacy
Digital Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Tech Lab Consultations
Narrative: The open tech labs offered one on one technology instruction on any topic the patron may have. The library technology coordinator had a signup when available and people came to her table with their device, or she used the library device to answer their individual unique questions. This helped the local community be able to better utilize technology and deepened citizens tech skills, thus enabling them to carry out 21st century living needs. The technology needs met were job seeking skills, how to use social media, email instruction, use library services, Google Docs, use Zoom, Microsoft office and other tasks.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: In-person

Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 51
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MAUNEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 100 S PIEDMONT AVE
City: KINGS MOUNTAIN
State: NC
Zip: 28086

Activity Details
Title: Hotspots and Chromebooks
Narrative: Mauney Memorial Library acquired hotspots and chromebooks for patrons to use to access needed computer services and/or internet at home or where ever access is needed. The library is now able to serve patrons internet needs on an ongoing basis.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to discover information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 15
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

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Outputs were quickly seen as once residents knew about the digital expansion kits, they were checked out and stayed that way. This tapped into the data that Kings Mountain has around 30% of the population without a home broadband connection and residents are wanting to be able to use tech at home. We also were able to document the need for technology assistance at a beginning level to a more intermediate level for the community by the questions being asked.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
One outcome was seeing how many people used an open lab during a once a week session venue. This has allowed us to plan to have open labs on an appointment basis to be better able to assist patrons on their timetable versus set lab hours. These hours will include evening and Saturdays to better include all community members. We were also able to document the need of citizens needing everything from very basic assistance to more in-depth and specific issues that point to one on one assistance being more useful than a class setting. Every case was unique.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Be prepared to be tough on getting your items back. If someone does not have technology at home, giving it up is harder than giving up a book or DVD. Turn the hotspot off immediately when it becomes overdue for a quicker return.
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:
Project Staff
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Review Surveys
Participant Observation
Did you collect any media for the data:
Photos
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: Digital Inclusion