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G2S Project Code: 2021-AZ-88493
State: Arizona
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Project Director
Director Name: Mary Villegas
Director Phone: 602-542-6255
Director Email: mvillegas@azlibrary.gov
General Information
Title: Tribal Library Consulting
State Project Code: 2021-0190
Start Date: 10/01/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: Consulting services and information resources were provided to tribal libraries in Arizona to improve library services to surrounding communities.  Consulting services consisted of meeting with community leaders to explain the services the Arizona State Library offers to all tribal libraries, database training, and general library management consulting. Funds were also used to purchase books for tribal libraries. The Arizona State Library also convened and funded the Gathering of Tribal libraries, which had not taken place since 2019. 
State Goal: Inclusive Communities
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$95,353.51
$0.00
$0.00
$95,353.51
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Collection Development & Management
Outreach & Partnerships
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Gathering of Tribal Libraries
Narrative: Tribal librarians strengthened their library foundation skills as they reconnected with their fellow peers, discovered new literacies, technology concepts, and resources. In addition, library staff had the opportunity to learn new strategies to serve their respective tribal communities.
95% of participants responding to an evaluation strongly agreed or agreed that they learned from the Gathering, felt more confident about using what they learned, and intended to apply what they learned. Some comments from the evaluations include:
“The presentations were all very uplifting and gave me hope in what I could do at my library.”
“I love the idea of having more tribal libraries workshops.”
“Coming in after the pandemic and seeing everyone-new faces.  Having a representative from IMLS was a plus.”
“Tribal libraries serve each community in very unique ways and this Gathering is a great way to share, connect, learn and inspire one another.”
“IMLS, State PLS (Public Library Survey) info, and tour were very good parts of the Gathering.”
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 100
Number of sessions in program: 9
Average number in attendance per session: 30
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: 0
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 8
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 12
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 9
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 14
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Books for Tribal Libraries
Narrative: LSTA funds were used to purchase books that were selected by staff from 11 tribal libraries.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

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: 3,342
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: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 0
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 11
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Based on the evaluations from the Gathering of Tribal Libraries and the Books for Tribal Libraries project, some tribal libraries need resources to purchase books and improve their skills in technology. Respondents to the Gathering of Tribal Library evaluation commented that they would like to learn more about grant opportunities and training in technology and computer skills.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
LSTA funding is critical to providing services and one-on-one training to tribal librarians and their communities. Unlike most public libraries, tribal communities do not generate local taxes to help support local community services. The books purchased through this project for the tribal libraries, in some circumstances, are the only books purchased for their library. Understanding the unique challenges tribal librarians face helps facilitate the consulting process. Some of these challenges include technology skills and interpersonal communication styles. Tribal librarians have expressed the importance of relationship-building and developing trust when working with non-tribal entities. This can be best achieved by providing face-to-face consultation services. LSTA funds allow dedicated consultation to tribal libraries throughout Arizona.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
When working with tribal communities, patience, persistence, and the ability to respect the unique cultures and workflows is necessary when serving tribal libraries. To gain a better perspective of the tribal communities served, it is incumbent upon those who work with tribal libraries to become knowledgeable of the history and events that have shaped these communities. Additionally, awareness of the different legal and regulatory environments that tribal libraries are subject too can help those in the LIS field have a greater understanding and appreciation for the important services tribal libraries are able to provide. A final consideration is that open communication goes beyond an email, text, phone call, or video conference. Face-to-face conversations, however short, can be significantly more impactful than the preceding combined.
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: